Above: the delegation in Panama City
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Panama President Ricardo Martinelli held talks Monday with Ambassador John McCarthy, the Special Envoy for Latin America of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
In what was characterized as “open and frank” dialogue, McCarthy spoke of Australia’s interest in investing in Panama.
He also suggested that a Panamanian business delegation make an official visit to Australia to promote the country’s competitive business advantages.
The two sides also spoke of Australia’s security cooperation and Panama’s role in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
McCarthy also recommended that Panama increase its presence in Panama, as several other Central American countries do.
The two were joined by Australian Ambassador to Panama Karina Menday, an official of the Latin American Section of the Foreign Ministry of Australia and Panama Deputy Foreign Minister Francisco Alvarez De Soto.