EMBASSY OF PANAMA IN JAPAN

From April 25th to 26th, 2008, Mr. Alberto Aleman Zubieta, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, paid an official visit to Japan, with the purpose of meeting top executive officers of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), in regard to the Panama Canal Expansion Program. H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, accompanied Mr. Aleman Zubieta during his activities.

Likewise, the Panama Canal Administrator held a meeting with Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board Mitsubishi Corporation, and member of the Advisory Board for the Panama Canal. Furthermore, Mr. Sasaki is the Chairman of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, which comprises more than 60 prestigious Japanese companies already established in Panama.

The Panama Canal Authority has hired Mizuho as financial advisor for the Panama Canal Expansion. In this connection, Mizuho arranged the appointments with the financial institutions mentioned above.


Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Administrator (second from the left), H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (first from the right), and Mr. Hiroshi Saito, President & CEO of Mizuho Corporate Bank.	Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Administrator, and Mr. Hidehiro Konno, Chairman & CEO of Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI).

Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Administrator, and Mr. Yoshihiko Morita, Deputy Governor and Managing Director of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)	From right to left, Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board Mitsubishi Corporation, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Administrator.
	During a Welcome Dinner offered by Mizuho Corporate Bank in honor of Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, the Panama Canal Administrator (third from right). Also participated, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (second from left), with top executives of the Global Structured Finance Division of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.

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Promotion of Panama Registry at SEA JAPAN 2008

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, together with a delegation of top officers from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish), the Panama Maritime Chamber, and the Panama Maritime Law Association, participated in Sea Japan 2008 International Maritime Exhibition & Conference, which took place from April 9th to 11th, 2008 at Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Center, Tokyo.

The Panamanian delegation was headed by Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, who was also accompanied by Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, and Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber.

The event was organized by CMP Business Media Co., Ltd. / Seatrade Communications Ltd. and supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Japanese Shipowners' Association, the Shipbuilders' Association of Japan, Japan Ship Exporters' Association, Japanese Marine Equipment Association, and JETRO.

About 350 maritime firms from Japan and abroad participated in Sea Japan this year, gathering approximately 17,000 visitors at the venue. At the said event, exhibitors introduce technology for ship design, construction and reparation, hydraulic machinery and equipment, equipment for sea pollution prevention, equipment for oil and fuel treatment, issues related to harbor authorities and operators, classification societies and Ship Registry, among others.

In addition, several conferences were carried out related to the current situation of the dry-bulk shipping market, crew shortage, maritime transport safety, trends in shipping, overview of the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In this occasion, the Republic of Panama participated for the first time as the main sponsor of the reception offered to the exhibitors, which was held at “Palais Royal”, Hotel Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo. The reception room was decorated with Panamanian flags and banners with touristic attractions. The Panama Maritime Authority promoted the advantages of the Panamanian Maritime Registry to the Japanese maritime community, distributing brochures in Japanese and English and CD-Rs.

During the reception, Ambassador Martiz delivered a speech to the Japanese and International maritime community, pointing out several challenges of the maritime industry, as well as the importance of continuing the joint efforts in benefit of a clean environment and safer oceans.

The following day, the Panamanian Delegation paid courtesy visits to important Japanese clients such as Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leading Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Logistics, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and the Japanese Shipowners' Association.

The activities on the occasion of Sea Japan ended up with a cocktail offered by the Panama Maritime Authority in honor of the members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, which comprises more than 60 prestigious Japanese companies already established in Panama.

The large number of participants at the events demonstrated the great importance of the Panama Registry among the Japanese maritime community, and underlined the strategic position of Panama as a modern port and logistic hub for the maritime sector all over the world.

From left to right, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber, at the entrance of SEA JAPAN 2008

RECEPTION OFFERED BY THE PANAMA MARITIME AUTHORITY (AMP)

The Panamanian Delegation with an ice sculpture representing a Panamanian-flag vessel with the logo of SEA JAPAN 2008. From left to right, Mr. Abdiel Díaz, maritime affairs law attorney, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Enrique De Alba from Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Koichi Tanaka, officer of the Consulate General of Panama in Tokyo.

From left to right, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, during the reception offered by AMP to the International shipping community in the occasion of SEA JAPAN 2008

From left to right, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, during the toast at the SEA JAPAN 2008 reception offered by AMP


Numerous attendees at the reception offered by AMP to the International shipping community in the occasion of SEA JAPAN 2008.

COCKTAIL IN HONOR OF THE MEMBERS OF THE PANAMA JAPAN BUSINESS COOPERATION COMMITTEE

From right to left, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Yasuyuki Fujishima, Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer of Sojitz Corporation and former Ambassador of Japan to Panama, who performs as Secretary General of the Committee, during the cocktail offered by AMP in honor of the members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

COURTESY VISITS


Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Koji Miyahara, NYK Group President.	Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Hiroyuki Maekawa, President of the Japanese Shipowners' Association and President of Kawasaki Kisen, Ltd


Working meeting at the Japanese Shipowners' Association	Working meeting with Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation. At the right corner of the picture, Mr. Naoshi Ban, President of Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation.

Fourth from the left, Mr. Naoshi Ban, President of Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation, with H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (left), and Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, jointly with the Panamanian Delegation.

At the right of Mr. Solórzano, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Santiago Torrijos, Vice-President of Panama Maritime Chamber, Mr. Abdiel Díaz, Maritime affairs law attorney, and Ms. Flor Ochy, officer of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Panama.

The Panamanian Delegation during the courtesy visit paid to Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Co., Ltd. Fourth from the left, Mr. Tadahiko Minakami, Chairman of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Co., Ltd., jointly with Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator (right), and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (left)

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The Embassy of Panama attends an “Art of Dining” Charity Exhibition Luncheon

On April 9th, 2008, Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended a luncheon, on the occasion of the successful completion of the 18th Art of Dining Charity Exhibition, which is annually organized by Refugees International Japan.

The 18th Art of Dining Charity Exhibition took place at Kaede Room of the Westin Tokyo Hotel at Yebisu Garden Place on March 5th, 2008, and counted on the distinguished presence of H.I.H. Princess Hitachi. On this opportunity, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, presented a tropical design of table setting, illustrating the great natural wealth and biodiversity of Panama.

The luncheon was organized by Lady Toyoko Fry, Wife of the outgoing British Ambassador to Japan and Director of the exhibition, and was held at the Residence of British Ambassador. Besides Panama, wives of Ambassadors from Spain, Germany, India and Brazil also attended the luncheon. Likewise, the luncheon counted on the presence of prestigious artists and personalities related to the art of table setting.

It is important to mention that approximately 1,800 persons visited the charity exhibition, which allowed collecting funds to assist refugees in South Africa, Algeria, Lebanon, Burundi, Thailand, East-Timor, and other countries.


Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, (first from the right at the 1st row), with participants of the Art of Dining Charity Exhibition, and members of Refugees International Japan (RIJ).	From left to right, Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Lady Toyoko Fry, Wife of the outgoing British Ambassador to Japan.

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Reception of Heiseikai Group

On April 7th, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended a reception aimed at the members of the Heiseikai group and Japanese authorities, on the occasion of the cherry blossom, announcing the arrival of spring season. The reception took place at the Residence of the British Ambassador.

Heiseikai group is comprised by the Ambassadors accredited in Japan, who have a good command of Japanese. The activities of the group provide an excellent opportunity to exchange opinions among the Head of Missions that are members of Heiseikai and the Japanese politicians regarding domestic and international issues.


From left to right, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Seiko Ishikawa, Ambassador of Venezuela, H.E. Akiko Santo, Vice-President of the House of Councillors of Japan, and Sir Graham Fry, U.K. Ambassador.	H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and H.E. Yasuhide Nakayama, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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Courtesy Visit of the Director-General of Customs & Tariff Bureau of Japan

On April 4th, 2008, Mr. Yukiyasu Aoyama, Director-General of Customs & Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, paid a visit to H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, with the purpose of requesting the support of the Panamanian Government for the candidacy of Japan to the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) at the elections of the WCO Council Session to be held on June 28th, 2008.

Ambassador Martiz expressed his gratitude for the visit and informed Mr. Aoyama that he will forward the request of support to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Panama for its due consideration.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Yukiyasu Aoyama, Director-General of Customs & Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance of Japan

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Meeting with Conservation International

On April 2nd, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, held a meeting with Ms. Kana Yamashita, Conservation International Japan Program Coordinator, and Mr. Jose Yoshiaki Kawashima from Sustainable Coffee Association of Japan, regarding a project in Panama that is aimed at environment protection through the production of Panamanian specialty coffee and its introduction in international markets.

During the meeting, Ambassador Martiz delivered a general presentation of the country, and explained about general characteristics of the Panamanian Specialty Coffee. In turn, Ms. Yamashita delivered a presentation about Conservation International, focusing on environment protection activities that have been carried out in Panama, such as the cultivation of high quality coffee at the shade of trees in the region of Volcan, Renacimiento and Boquete.

The project is being performed by Conservation International and Sustainable Coffee Association of Japan, in cooperation with the Foundation for the Development of Cerro Punta (FUNDICCEP), which is a initiative supported by McDonald’s, Coca Cola and the private sector. After one year of its implementation, the project has been successful due to the great penetration of the Panamanian Specialty coffee within the Japanese market, while improving infrastructure of the Panamanian farms involved.

This kind of initiative is particularly relevant since Panama has been classified as a rich diversity region with high risk of environmental degradation.

U.S.-based Conservation International was established in 1987, and currently it counts on more that 900 members operating in over 40 countries. Its mission is to protect biodiversity, and to promote a harmonious coexistence of human beings with nature.

Ambassador Martiz took the opportunity to explore the possibility of sending to Panama Japanese baristas, who are experts in the art of preparing high quality coffee, with the purpose of training Panamanian high cuisine students, through the National Institute for Human Development of Panama (INADEH, in Spanish).

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, with Mrs. Kana Yamashita, Conservation International Japan Program Coordinator, and Mr. Jose Yoshiaki Kawashima from Sustainable Coffee Association of Japan.

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Panamanian-Flag “Windsor Adventure” Launching Ceremony

On March 25th, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in the Launching Ceremony of the Panamanian-flag vessel “Windsor Adventure”, owned by the shipping companies Fairmont Shipping (HK) and Keymax Maritime, at the Mitsui shipyard in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. The event also counted with the presence of H.E. Juan Felipe Pitty, Ambassador of Panama to Philippines.

The occasion was particularly important as the owners of the ship have shown their willingness to hire Panamanian seafarers to operate the vessel.

The launching of this new vessel demonstrates the confidence and the leadership of the Panamanian Registry within the Japanese and international maritime community.

From left to right, Mr. Saburo Iwai, Chief Operating Officer of Keymax Group, H.E. Juan Felipe Pitty, Ambassador of Panama to Philippines, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Shigeki Nakagawa, President of Fednav Asia Ltd., Mr. Yusuke Hashiguchi, General Manager of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd., and Mr. Robert Alexander Ho, President of Fairmont Shipping (HK) Ltd. & Affiliates.

Participants at the Signature of the Protocol of Delivery Acceptanc

From left to right, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Eduardo Manese, Chairman of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, and H.E. Juan Felipe Pitty, Ambassador of Panama to Philippines

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Ambassador Martiz participates in Koto performance

On March 16th, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in a Koto (Japanese harp) concert, organized by the Cultural Exchange and Traditions Association and co-sponsored by Shiroi City Educational Committee, Chiba prefecture. The event took place at Shiroi City Cultural Center.

Ambassador Martiz addressed welcome remarks to the audience, and also played the Japanese harp. This instrument is part of the musical and cultural heritage of Japan.

It is important to mention that Mrs. Shizuka Akagi, member of the Cultural Exchange and Traditions Association, also contributed to the organization of the concert. Mrs. Akagi is a teacher of koto and she has carried out cultural exchanges with Panama, offering several koto performances in Panama City.

The concert provided an excellent opportunity to deepen the cultural understanding between Japan and Panama.


H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, during his participation at the koto performance at Shiroi City Cultural Center.

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FOODEX JAPAN 2008

From March 11th to 14th, 2008, the Republic of Panama with the support of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and this Diplomatic Mission, participated in Foodex Japan 2008, which took place at Makuhari Messe, in Chiba prefecture. At the event in reference, Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A. exhibited innovative organic products and products good for health, such as noni, barbecue sauces, pickled eggplants, and Biotims, a disinfecting emulsion that prolongs the lifespan of perishable products, which was developed by the said Panamanian firm.

The Embassy of Panama to Japan provided assistance to the Panamanian commercial delegation with decoration of the exhibition booth, logistics and mobilization, arrangement of commercial appointments, and also provided two Embassy’s staffs to wait on visitors by providing products’ information to potential customers. Furthermore, the Embassy provided assistance with the translation of brochures of the exhibitor into Japanese.

This Diplomatic Mission also took the opportunity to promote Panamanian tourism by distributing brochures in Japanese with general information of the country, indigenous tribes, ecotourism, historical sites and world heritage, as well as shopping in Panama.

Likewise, it is important to highlight the participation of Ms. Mabel Del Cid, National Director for Exports Promotion, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ms. Del Cid paid courtesy visits to Japanese authorities that deal with the establishment of a phytosanitary agreement to export Panamanian poultry products to Japan, and other issues related to the promotion of the Panamanian exports towards the Japanese market. Ms. Del Cid held meetings with officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Food Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office; the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The participation of the Panamanian delegation in FOODEX JAPAN 2008 is considered successful, since the decisive approach by the Panamanian Government towards the Japanese authorities, as well as the important number of contacts that Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A. developed with potential Japanese customers during and after the fair, generated high expectation on the insertion of Panamanian products into the Japanese market.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (second from the right), Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission, with Ms. Mabel Del Cid (center), National Director for Exports Promotion, and two officers from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama, who were attending a training program in trade in Osaka

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Cultural and Artistic Exchange by Prof. Berta Polo in Japan

From March 7th to April 2nd, 2008, the well-known Panamanian sculptor and painter, Dr. Berta Polo, paid a visit to Japan with the purpose of deepening the cultural and artistic exchange between both countries. As part of her extensive work in cultural exchange, Prof. Berta Polo participated in art seminars aimed at Japanese children of several schools, in order to introduce the Panamanian art.

During her stay in Japan, Prof. Berta Polo donated a painting of her own creation to this Diplomatic Mission. Likewise, she provided assistance in the restoration of a sculpture donated in the past by the Panamanian artist Anabella de Vallarino, which was severely damaged due to an earthquake last year.

Besides of teaching art at the University of Panama, Prof. Polo has exhibited her artwork in Europe, United States and Latin-America, being highly praised by very important personalities.

Nowadays, Prof. Polo is committed to an initiative for the creation of an international institute of arts at the City of Knowledge, Panama.


H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, receives a donation for this Diplomatic Mission consisting of a painting created by the well-known Panamanian artist, Dr. Berta Polo	Dr. Berta Polo with the children that participated in the art seminars and cultural exhange sessions offered by Dr. Polo in several Japanese schools

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18th Art of Dining Charity Exhibition

On March 5th, 2008, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in the 18th Art of Dining Charity Exhibition organized by Refugees International Japan, which was held at Kaede Room of the Westin Tokyo Hotel at Yebisu Garden Place.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, presented a tropical design of table setting, illustrating the great natural wealth and biodiversity of Panama. It is important to mention that Mr. Hiroshi Masuda of Masuda Art notably contributed to the participation of this Diplomatic Mission by providing a porcelain set named “Jaguar Jungle”, which represented the Panamanian concept.

Besides the Republic of Panama, several Embassies accredited in Japan participated in the said exhibition, such as Brazil, Germany, India and Spain. Likewise, the event counted on the distinguished presence of H.I.H. Princess Hitachi.

Refugees International Japan (RIJ) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help restore the physical and mental well-being and dignity of refugees and internally displaced persons by supporting emergency, health and education projects around the world.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, welcomes H.I.H. Princess Hitachi at the moment of her visit to our table


Visitors to the table of Panama	From right to left, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Attaché to this Diplomatic Mission

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Ambassador Martiz attended a lunch with Chief Cabinet Secretary

On February 26th, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended a lunch, where H.E. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary, participated as the guest of honor. The lunch was organized by the Heiseikai group and was held at the Official Residence of the Embassy of Canada.

During the lunch, the Chief Cabinet Secretary took the occasion to exchange opinions regarding domestic and international issues with the Head of Missions that are members of the Heiseikai group, which is comprised by the Ambassadors accredited in Japan, who have a good command of Japanese.


At the center, H.E. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, while H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan observes on the right.	H.E. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, with the Head of Missions that are members of the Heiseikai group.

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Ambassador of Panama to Japan attended a FEALAC Farewell Reception

On February 25th, 2008, Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan attended a Farewell Reception of the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) member countries on the occasion of the program for young leaders titled “The Cooperation on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) among FEALAC member countries”. The reception was held at the Tokyo Prince Hotel.

The said program was carried out from February 18th to 26th, where Mr. Harley James MITCHELL MORÁN, Legal Adviser of the Environmental National Authority of Panama (ANAM, in Spanish) participated as representative of the Republic of Panama.

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From left to right, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Harley James MITCHELL MORÁN, Legal Adviser of the Environmental National Authority of Panama (ANAM), and an officer of FEALAC Program

Young leaders of FEALAC member countries that participated in the forum on Cooperation on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

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Courtesy Visit to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation of Japan

On February 18, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Yutaka Sunohara, Director-General of Ports and Harbors Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation of Japan. In addition to Mr. Sunohara, Ambassador Martiz also met Mr. Susumu Murata, President of Coastal Development Institute of Technology (CDIT).

During the encounter, Ambassador Martiz and Mr. Sunohara explored the possibility of an open skies agreement between Japan and Panama.

Mr. Yutaka Sunohara, Director-General, Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, and H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama

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Japanese Harp “Koto” Performance for Panamanian People

With the support of the Embassy of Panama to Japan and the Embassy of Japan to Panama, Ms. Shizuka AKAGI, teacher of Japanese harp “Koto”, together with her students, Ms. Etsuko Tanaka and Masako Fujikawa, visited Panama from February 9th to 19th, 2008, with the purpose of carrying out koto performances for adults and children, in order to boost cultural exchange between both countries.

Ms. Akagi carried out performances at the orphanage Hogar San José de Malambo and Children Hospital (Hospital del Niño), with an audience of forty persons at each location.

The initiative served to deepen the cultural understanding between Panama and Japan.

Ms. Shizuka Akagi, teacher of Koto (extreme left), her students with H.E. Mr. Makoto MISAWA, Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

Koto performers with Panamanian children at the Children Hospita

Ms. Shizuka Akagi, teacher of Koto, her students at the orphanage Hogar San José de Malambo

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Ambassador of Panama Attended the Farewell Reception of "Study Programme on Communicable Disease Control"

On February 8, 2008, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended the farewell reception of “Study Programme on Communicable Disease Control", held from January 20 to February 9, which counted on the participation of Mrs. Felicia Herminia Tulloch De Barrio, who is in charge of Epidemiology at the Hospital Santo Tomás in Panama City. Mrs, Tulloch De Barrio was invited by Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS). The reception took place at the headquarters of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Dr. Felicia Herminia Tulloch De Barrios, Manager of Epidemiology of St. Thomas Hospital

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Panama Friendship Day

On January 25th, 2008, the Embassy of Panama to Japan carried out a tourism seminar titled “Panama Friendship Day”, which took place at the Latin-American Salon of the Kowa Bldg., where our Diplomatic Mission is located. At the seminar, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, delivered a lecture to an audience of 35 Japanese members of the International Friendship Center (IFC).

IFC is a non-profit organization based in Tokyo, whose purpose is to deepen understanding between Japan and countries around the world, holding cultural activities jointly with embassies accredited to Japan.

During the Q&A section held after the lecture, the audience expressed a strong interest in the Panama Canal Expansion as well as the imports and exports of commodities between both countries.

Likewise, a general knowledge quiz contest on Panama was carried out, preparing specific questions on the country to participants. People that provided the right answers received a bag of Panamanian specialty coffee handed by Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama.

The event concluded with a music performance of shamisen, which is a traditional Japanese instrument.

At the center of the first row seated, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, with members of IFC.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, with Mrs. Yuriko Hisada, Vice President of IFC

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Courtesy Visit of the new President of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association

On January 15th, 2008, Mr. Yoji Sugiyama, new President of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association, paid a visit to H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan.

Ambassador Martiz congratulated Mr. Sugiyama on his recent designation, and reiterated that the Embassy of Panama to Japan is at the entire service to the Panama-Japan Friendship Association to deepen the excellent relations between Japan and the Republic of Panama.

In addition to the splendid political and commercial ties, Ambassador Martiz pointed out the necessity of strengthen bilateral exchange in cultural affairs. In this sense, he requested the assistance of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association in order to boost a proposal for the establishment of a Japanese language and cultural studies center to be located at the City of Knowledge, which was submitted by Japan Foundation to the Government of the Republic of Panama. Likewise, Ambassador Martiz announced that with the assistance of the Embassy of Japan in Panama and this Diplomatic Mission, two Japanese musicians will visit Panama City to carry out koto - or traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument - performances.

Mr. Sugiyama, former Ambassador of Japan to Panama in 90’s, expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Martiz, and also expressed his will to cooperate with this Diplomatic Mission to organize activities aimed at promote Panamanian culture within Japan.

On behalf of the association, Mr. Sugiyama took the opportunity to donate two books of “The Tale of Genji”, which is a classic work of Japanese literature. Ambassador Martiz expressed his gratitude and informed that the books will be delivered to the National Library of Panama in order to contribute to boost the understanding towards Japan of the Panamanian people.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, receives a donation of “The Tales of Genji” (Spanish version) from Mr. Yoji Sugiyama, new President of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association

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