EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 2007

2007

Dinner with New Ambassador of Japan in Panama
Farewell Party for the Participants of the Japan Foundation Secondary-School Educators Study Tour Program 2007
Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the IDB Office in Asia
TCAC’s End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai)
Opening of a coffee shop that offers Panamanian Specialty Coffee in Tokyo
Working Seminar of the Panama Maritime Authority in Japan
Midori District Community Festival 2007
Latin American Bazaar 2007
Ambassador of Panama participates at the reception for the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co. Ltd.
Ambassador of Panama as Judge at Photograph Contest “Japan?! through Diplomat Eyes 2007
Embassy of Panama organized Seminar on new Immigration Issues to Japan
Ambassador Wife as Judge at Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007
Global Seminar of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.
Working Meeting of Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee
Panama participates in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007
Panama-Japan Friendship Association donates books 
Panama participated in the WBC World Barista Championship 2007 and SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference &       Exhibition 2007
Embassy Participates in Seminar on Panamanian Ecotourism
Panama and Ikebana International Tea
“Walk the World 2007 – Saving the World’s Hungry” 
Panama at the 8th Annual World Gardening Fair at Hotel Okura Tokyo
Embassy of Panama co-organized Seminar on Organized Crime
Panama participates in the Conference on Energy Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
FOODEX JAPAN 2007
Ikebana International Fair 2006 – 2007
Panama in the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007
Courtesy Visit of ITOCHU Corporation
Courtesy Visit of Next Resident Representative of JICA Panama Office
Courtesy Visit to Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

Events & Activities 2006

Events & Activities 2005

The past December 27, 2007, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, together with his wife, Mrs. Carla Marotta De Martiz, participated in a dinner with H.E. Mr. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan in Panama, his spouse, Mr. Takashi Kondo, Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy, and his spouse in the official residence of Ambassador Misawa. 

During the dinner, Ambassador Martiz and Ambassador Misawa exchanged opinions to further deepen the relations between Panama and Japan, expressing their will to cooperate to reach the said objective.

At the center, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, on the left, H.E. Makoto Misawa, Ambassador of Japan to Panama, on the right, Mr. Takashi Kondo, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Panama, with their respective wives.

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Farewell Party for the Participants of the Japan Foundation Secondary-School Educators Study Tour Program 2007

On December 18th, 2007, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of this Diplomatic Mission, attended to a farewell party organized by Japan Foundation on the occasion of the completion of an international study tour program aimed at secondary-school educators, held from December 6th to 19th, 2007. The reception took place at Tokyo Prince Hotel, Sun Flower Room.

The said program was organized by Japan Foundation with the purpose of deepen understanding on culture and teaching method in Japan, through visits to schools and cultural institutions, as well as through the home stay experience with Japanese families. 85 participants representing the following 26 countries: Australia, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Estonia, France, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, India, Italy, Latvia, Lituania, Mexico, Micronesia, Panama, Palau, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Thailand, United Kingdom and Venezuela.

The participants from Panama were Mr. Euribiades Cherigo, Teacher of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Julio Rafael Gallardo, Director of Gatuncillo Senior School, and Mr. Máximo Cedeño, Teacher of Pocri Junior High School.

The event was a splendid occasion to deepen the excellent ties among the Embassy of Panama, Japan and the other participants’ countries in education sector.

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Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the IDB Office in Asia

On November 13th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended a Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Office in Asia’s 12th Anniversary. On this occasion, H.E. Naoyuki Shinohara, Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance, participated as guest speaker and delivered a lecture on “Global Financial Market Issues including Sovereign Wealth Fund”.

During the lecture, Vice-Minister Shinohara analyzed several financial issues such as the U.S. sub-prime mortgages, a special fund created in China for the management of some of its huge foreign reserves, the Carry Trade Phenomenon, foreign exchange market behavior, and others.

The Breakfast Seminar, which counted with the participation of the Head of Missions of the Latin-American countries accredited to Japan, enabled attendees to deepen understanding on the situation of global finance, and contributed to strengthen ties between the Latin-American region and Japanese financial authorities.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (at the center of the second row) and the Head of Mission of the Latin-American countries accredited to Japan, BID Office in Asia authorities and S.E. Naoyuki Shinohara, Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance (at the center of the seated row)

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TCAC’s End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai)

On November 30 th, 2007, the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC), with the cooperation of the Embassy of Panama, organized the End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai), which took place at the Cuban Cafe in Tokyo.

Over 50 attendees from different embassies participated in the party, which included a buffet style dinner and also a musical performance by the Panamanian- Canadian singer Roberto "The One Man Band".

Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) is comprised by diplomatic consular and administrative affairs staff of Embassies accredited in Japan, and provides and excellent forum to exchange views on consular, administrative and diplomatic issues among its members, as well as networking between the Diplomatic Missions and Japanese authorities. The Panamanian Diplomatic Mission has been part of the TCAC Board of Directors since 2002, and currently it is holding the Vice Presidency.

Remarks by Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama and TCAC Vice-President, during the opening of the party	TCAC members sharing a friendly and joyful atmosphere

Music performance and dance

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Opening of a coffee shop that offers Panamanian Specialty Coffee in Tokyo

The Embassy of Panama to Japan participated at the opening of the coffee shop Poisson Rouge, which will be offering Panamanian specialty coffee. Poisson Rouge is located at the center of the worldwide-known Akihabara Electronic Town, Tokyo, and offers the exquisite taste and high quality standards of Panamanian coffee, together with fine French patisserie, surrounded by an elegant atmosphere.

The tour around the facilities of Poisson Rouge, paid by Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché, included a boutique of specialty goods in the first floor, the coffee shop itself at the second floor, and a VIP room restricted to members or special guests.

Upon conveying congratulations on the occasion of the opening, the Embassy of Panama praised the efforts accomplished by Poisson Rouge to boost the Panamanian Specialty Coffee within the Japanese market, whose promotional campaign has already been launched. Moreover, Poisson Rouge committed itself to serve as a link between Japan and Panama through the coffee culture.

It is important to note that this Diplomatic Mission has been actively engaged in the promotion of the Panamanian coffee within the Japanese market since 2004. Our activities include interviews of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, regarding Panamanian coffee to Japanese media, the creation of a coffee section on the Embassy’s website in Japanese and English versions, the elaboration of brochures in Japanese, coffee sampling at community centers and cultural events, as well as assistance to the delegations of coffee growers that participate in commercial fairs in Japan.

Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge (left), and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché (right)	From left to right, Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge, Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché, and Mr. José Yoshiaki Kawashima, well-known coffee expert, tasting a cup of fine Panamanian coffee
From left to right, Mr. José Yoshiaki Kawashima, well-known coffee expert, Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge, and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché (right)	Boutique of Specialty goods (1F), where roasted Panamanian Specialty Coffee is also available

The exclusive atmosphere at Poisson Rouge that surrounds the excellency of our coffee.

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Working Seminar of the Panama Maritime Authority in Japan

On November 15th, 2007, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish), the Embassy of Panama to Japan, the Consulates of Panama to Tokyo and Kobe, together with the Inter-American Development Bank, Asia Office, organized a Working Session on the Modernization Process of the Panama Merchant Marine. The event took place at the Conference Room of the Fukoku Seimei Bldg. in Tokyo.

At the event, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, delivered presentations on the said topic before an audience comprised mainly by representatives of Japanese maritime companies and media.

In this occasion, AMP officers answered inquiries from the Japanese maritime companies regarding the Panamanian Ship Registry.

Afterwards, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish) offered a reception, which provided an excellent venue for the exchange of ideas on maritime affairs between members of the Panamanian delegation and representatives of the Japanese ships companies.

On November 16th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, accompanied the Panamanian Delegation to pay courtesy visits to key maritime organizations, such as Marine Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastracture and Transport, the Japan Shipowners´ Association (JSA), Mizuho Coporate Bank, Ltd., Tokyo MOU Secretariat, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK).

The working session organized by the delegation of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish) was successful due to the large number of attendants, who showed a strong interest in the Panama Registry.

From left to right, H.E. Liliana Fernández, Ambassador of Panama to UK, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Takeo Shikado, Representative of Inter-American Development Bank – Office in Asia, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and H.E. Eduardo Real, Ambassador of Panama to Singapore.

From left to right, Mr. Víctor Almengor, Head of the Legal Department of AMP Direction of Merchant Marine, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, H.E. Liliana Fernández, Ambassador of Panama to UK, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, Mr. Julio de La Lastra, President of Panama Maritime Chamber, Mr. Tomás Avila, President of Panama Maritime Law Asociation, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission

Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, during his presentation	The Panamanian delegation during a courtesy visit paid to executives of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

Full-room audience at the AMP Working Session

The Panamanian Delegation surrounded by the participants at the AMP Working Session

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Midori District Community Festival 2007

As part of its promotional activities at the local level, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in the Midori District Community Festival, on November 10th, 2007. The event took place at Midori District in the prefecture of Saitama, north of Tokyo.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché, on behalf of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, expressed his gratitude to the local government authorities for their kind invitation to participate in the said event, which helped residents to learn more about Panama. The Embassy took the opportunity to distribute tourism brochures in Japanese, to exhibit handicrafts, as well as to carried out tasting of Pananamian Specialty Coffee to local residents.

On this occasion, the Panamanian delegation was welcomed by Mr. Kazuaki Suzuki, Mayor of Midori District, Mr. Soichi Aikawa, Mayor of the City of Saitama, Mr. Hideo Otsuka, Deputy Mayor of the City of Saitama, Mr. Masao Takahashi, Saitama prefecture lawmaker, Mr. Zenjiro Kaneko, Parlamentary Secretary of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and member of the House of Representatives, and Mr. Hideo Shimizu, former Mayor of Midori District.

OPENING CEREMONY On behalf of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché, delivering introductory remarks to the local authorities and residents.	Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, welcomes Mr. Zenjiro Kaneko, Parlamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and member of the House of Representatives, at the booth of Panama

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Latin American Bazaar 2007

On November 2nd, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated at the Latin American Bazaar 2007, organized by the Nippon-Latin-American Ladies' Association. The purpose of this charity event is to collect funds to improve the life of poor children in Latin America. In the case of Panama, the funds are used to support the child welfare programs carried out by the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Mrs. Vivian Fernández de Torrijos. The event was carried out at Tokyo Prince Hotel.

At the booth of the Embassy of Panama, molas, traditional handicrafts and other Panamanian products, were exhibited. Furthermore, on this occasion, books on mola written in Japanese by Ms. Kayoko Maeda were also introduced, as well as mola-design T-shirts that were donated by Ms. Maeda. In this connection, the said event was an excellent venue to promote Panamanian handicrafts and other products.

The Latin American Bazaar is held every year with the participation of all the Diplomatic Missions from Latin America accredited to Tokyo, and with the distinguished presence of H.I.H. Princess Hitachi, who is the Honorary Chairperson of the Nippon-Latin American Ladies' Association.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama (center), and Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Attaché (left), who is wearing a Panamanian montuna, welcoming H.I.H. Princess Hitachi to our booth.	Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, explaining to H.I.H. Princess Hitachi (center) about the Panamanian canned Sancocho soup.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, and Mrs. Sumiko Mikimoto, a member of highly-respected Mikimoto family, owners of worldwide-known Mikimoto & CO., Ltd., which provides the tiaras for Miss Universe.
	Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, and Ms. Kayoko Maeda, author of a Japanese book on mola.

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Ambassador of Panama participates at the reception for the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co. Ltd.

On November 1st, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated at a reception held on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co., Ltd., which is an important client of the Panamanian Maritime Registry. The reception took place at the Heian Room of Hotel Okura Tokyo.

The event was an excellent occasion to strengthen ties between the Republic of Panama and the shipping company.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Kazuo Takigawa, Dowa Line Co., Ltd. CEO.

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Ambassador of Panama as Judge at Photograph Contest “Japan?! through Diplomat Eyes 2007

On October 26th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated as a member of the judges panel for the 10th annual photograph contest “Japan?! Through Diplomat Eyes 2007”, which was held in the City Club Tokyo.

The said photograph contest was addressed to diplomats accredited in Japan as well as to their relatives. The event counted on the presence of H.I.H. Princess Takamado and H.E. Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary and President of the Judges Panel for the contest.

The event encourages participants to capture unexpected images of Japan. In total, 56 diplomats representing 35 countries took part in the contest. Last year, Mr. Alfredo Joel Martiz, Son of Ambassador of Panama, won the first place with the picture titled “Dance of Light and Smoke”.

The contest provides a splendid opportunity to deepen friendship ties among the countries represented through an exchange of ideas regarding the way they look at the Japanese culture.

From left to right, H.I.H. Princess Takamado and H.E. Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary and President of the Judges Panel for the contest, H.E. Godfrey S. Simasiku, Ambassador of Zambia, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Hiroshi Kuramochi, G.I.P Tokio President.

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Embassy of Panama organized Seminar on new Immigration Issues to Japan

On October 25 th, 2007, the Embassy of Panama, the Embassy of Guatemala and the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) carried out a seminar on immigration issues, including the new entry procedures which were implemented on November 20th by the immigration authorities. The seminar took place at the Kowa Building No. 38, Latin-American Room, in Tokyo.
 
The seminar was delivered by Mr. Yasuhiro Togo, Counsellor’s Office Immigration Bureau, and Mr. Isao Negishi, Entry and Status Division of the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan, who explained to Consular Corps accredited in Tokyo, the recently adopted immigration procedures that requires foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed at the time of arrival to Japan.

The attendees had the opportunity to inquire directly to the Japanese Immigration officers and establish a closer contact with the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.

Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) is comprised by diplomatic consular and administrative affairs staff of Embassies accredited in Japan, and provides and excellent forum for opinions exchange among its members, as well as networking between the Diplomatic Missions and Japanese authorities. The Panamanian Diplomatic Mission has been part of the TCAC Board of Directors since 2002, and currently it is holding the Vice Presidency.

From right to left, Mr. Yasuhiro Togo, Counsellor’s Office Immigration Bureau, and Mr. Isao Negishi, Entry and Status Division of the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan.	H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, delivering the opening remarks as hosting Embassy of the event.

The audience comprised of members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Tokyo.

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Ambassador Wife as Judge at Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007

On October 15th, 2007, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, participated as a member of the judges panel for the 47th beauty contest Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007, which was organized by the International Cultural Association (ICA). The event took place at the Ball Room of the Prince Park Tower Tokyo.

During the event, Miss Panama Stephanie Arauz carried out an outstanding representation of our country. Likewise, it is important to mention that last year Miss Panama 2006 Mayte Sánchez, became First Runner-Up.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, the winner Miss México Priscila Perales (left) and the First Runner-Up Miss Bielorrusia Yuliya Sindzeyeva.	Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007 Welcome Reception Party (First row, at the center): H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, next to Miss International Beauty Pageant 2006, Miss Venezuela Daniela Di Giacomo, together with the delegates of 2007 contest and event-related VIP.

At the center, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama (right), and Miss Panama Stephanie Arauz (left).

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Global Seminar of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.

From October 9th to 12th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in the 1st Mizuho Global Seminar, which also counted on the presence of a delegation of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP, in Spanish) integrated by Mrs. Amanda K. O`Meally, Executive Manager of the Budget Administration and Control Division, and Mr. José Gabriel Arias, Manager of the Productivity and Financial Improvement Division of the Department of the Finance and Administration Department. The event was organized by Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd., and took place at its Head office in Tokyo.

During the seminar, several topics were discussed such as the current situation of the Japanese economy and Mizuho Group strategies, including its global operations, current movements in financial technology, trend of the overseas direct investment from Japan, current situation of automobile and manufacturing industries, current situation of Japanese financial institutions, structure and trend of stock market in Japan, and environmental issues.

It is important to mention that the Panama Canal Authority has hired Mizuho as financial advisor for the Panama Canal Expansion. Services within the contract include reviewing the financial aspects of the ACP´s Master Plan and expansion proposal, providing strategic counsel on financing structures and strategies and creating and implementing an integrated financial model.

This occasion was propitious to make an approach to Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd., and deepen the excellent relations between Mizuho Corporate Bank and the Republic of Panama.

From left to right, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Hiroshi Saito, President & CEO of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.

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Working Meeting of Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee

On September 12th, 2007, Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee held a working meeting at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The said Committee was officially established in July 2006 during the visit to Japan of H.E. Samuel Lewis Navarro, First Vice President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama, with the purpose of promoting trade between Panama and Japan, as well as Japanese investment and tourism.

The Committee comprises more than 60 prestigious Japanese companies already established in Panama, and it is headed by Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Corporation, while Mr. Yasuyuki Fujishima, Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer of Sojitz Corporation and former Ambassador of Japan to Panama, performs as Secretary General. In addition, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, holds the position of Honorary Chairman.

During the meeting, members of the Committee discussed issues of interest for Japanese business sector related to trade, real estate, the cleaning of the Panama Bay, modernization of public transportation, Panama Canal Expansion, tourism and others.

Japanese businessmen expressed a strong interest in expanding business opportunities in Panama by taking advantage of its significant and ongoing economic growth. Hence, members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee are planning a visit to Panama in order to meet with business associations’ representatives such as the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE, in Spanish), Panamanian Construction Chamber (CAPAC, in Spanish), the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, and other business and trade associations.

Participants at the working meeting also took the opportunity to bid farewell to H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, while welcoming H.E. Makoto Misawa, who was appointed as new Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

From left to right, H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, and H.E. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

(Sitting from left to right) 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, H.E. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan to Panama, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Committee, and H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, with the members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

Working meeting of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

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Panama participates in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007

From September 14th to 16th, 2007, the Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT, in Spanish), with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama, participated for the third time in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007, organized by the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA, in English), which was carried out at Tokyo Big Sight. The Panamanian Delegation was comprised by representatives of two Panamanian travel agencies: Allegro Tours and Arians Tours.

During the event, our renewed pavilion carried out a display of banners with images of all provinces and regions of Panama, as well as exhibited videos of important tourist attractions, which were provided by the Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT). 

Likewise, the representatives of the two Panamanian travel agencies, as well as H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission, participated in the World Tourism Congress 2007, which took place on September 13th, 2007. During the Congress, specialists in tourism delivered a detailed explanation on the characteristics of the Japanese tourism market, including the 7-million-Japanese segment called “Baby Boomers”, who will be retiring between this year and 2009, and hence, will have free time and economic capacity to travel. 

The Panamanian Pavilion provided brochures in Japanese to visitors, elaborated by this Diplomatic Mission, about general information of the country, indigenous groups, ecotourism, world heritage and historical sites, as well as shopping, cruisers and Panama as a retirement paradise.

It is important to mention that the said event is the largest tourism fair in Asia, where tour operators, airlines and hotels from around 134 countries participated, with more than 948 exhibition booths. This year 107,078 visitors attended the three-day event. 

Needless to say, JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair provides Panama an excellent opportunity to introduce its attractiveness directly to the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA), which is composed of major Japanese tourism operators. The Panamanian travel agencies had a successful participation in the event, as they were able to contact a great deal of Japanese potential customers during the event.

From left to right, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan	Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT) booth
From left to right, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama, Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), Ms. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Panama	From left to right, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama, Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Panama
From left to right, H.E. Ms. Midori Matsushima, Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ambassador Martiz, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.)	At the center, Mr. Koji Shinmachi, Chairman of the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA), and Ambassador Martiz

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Panama-Japan Friendship Association donates books 

On August 15, 2007, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan received a donation of two books titled "Natural Zeolite, Qualification Guides and Dates for Application", which was published by Zeolite Sub-Committee, No. 111 Committee of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 

The books have been donated by Dr. Nagashi Ogushi, member of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association, jointly with Dr. Hideo Minato, Chairman of the Zeolite Sub-Committee, No. 111 Committee (JSPS), and Dr. Harumichi Kaneko, Secretary General, No. 111 Committee of JSPS in order to serve as reference to advance the activities of the Direction of Mineral Resources of the Department of Commerce and Industry in Panama.   

Doctors Ogushi and Minato carried out studies of non-metallic mineral resources known as Zeolite in Panama in 1996, which can have applications in the areas of agriculture and stockbreeding.   

Ambassador Martiz expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ogushi, indicating that the Panama-Japan Friendship Association plays an important role in the strengthening of the excellent relations between Japan and Panama. 

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Dr. Nagashi Ogushi, member of the Panama-Japan Friendship Association

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Panama participated in the WBC World Barista Championship 2007 and SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition 2007

From July 31 to August 2, 2007, the Republic of Panama, represented by the High Council of Panamanian Coffee, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industriy of Panama and the Embassy of Panama in Japan, participated in the most important Specialty coffee fair in Japan, the WBC World Barista Championship 2007 and SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition 2007, which were organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), held in Tokyo Big Sight, city of Tokyo.

During the event, a delegation of Panamanian coffee producers participated in the exhibition, carring out tasting of Panamanian specialty coffee in the stand of Panama. The delegation was composed by 14 companies and/or organizations, such as Beneficios de Cafe de Boquete, S.A., Casa Ruiz, S.A., Hacienda La Esmeralda, Cafe Kotowa, S.A., Carmen Estate Coffee, Francisco Serracín Cafetaleros, S.A., Associacion de Productores de Renacimiento (APRE), Finca Santa Teresa, Inversiones Gallardo, S.A., Mama Cata, S.A. (Café Garrido), Don Pepe Estate, S.A., Santamaría Estate, Cafetalera La Mariana (Finca Callejón Seco) and Café de Eleta.

The program included a seminar about Panamanian coffee with tasting of the varieties Gescha and Typica, which was addressed to Japanese toasters and importers, who showed a great interest, particularly, in the Gescha variety.

Also, the US TV channel CNBC carried out a shooting of the Panamanian exhibition as part of a documentary they are making on the Gescha coffee of Hacienda la Esmeralda, which recorded the highest price at an international coffee auction. When finished the documentary will be broadcasted in the United States, Asia and Europe.

The participation of the Panamanian delegation in this fair has been successfull due to the large number of visitors who came to the exhibition stand of Panama, including high representatives of the Specialty Coffee Association and the Japanese government, who received presents from the delegation of the High Council of Panamanian Coffee, namely, H.E. Ms. Midori MATSUSHIMA, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Tatsushi UESHIMA, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) and President of UCC Ueshima Coffee Co, Ltd., the largest importer of coffee of Japan, Mr. Satoru WAKABAYASHI, Vice-President and Chairperson of the Committee of Exhibition and Conference of Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) and Vice-President of Art Coffee Co, Ltd., and Mrs. Mary Petitt, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of the United States (SCAA) and Vice-President of the Colombian Coffee Federation, Inc. It is important to point out that this event has served as an important platform for the promotion of the Panamanian specialty coffee, which is highly praised in Japan.

From left to right, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i., Mr. Tatsushi Ueshima, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan and Representative Director – Chairman and President of UCC Ueshima Coffee Co, Ltd., and H.E. Midori Matsushima, Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, during a visit paid to the Panama booth.

The delegation of Panamanian coffee growers accompanied by diplomats of the Embassy in the Panama booth.	The audience composed of Japanese toasters and importers during the seminar on Panamanian Specialty Coffee, delivered by representatives of the delegation.

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Embassy Participates in Seminar on Panamanian Ecotourism

His Excellency Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama in Japan, took part in the seminar “Wild Orchids and the Ecosystem of Panama: Preserving the Environment for Ecotourism”, which took place on the 15 July 2007 at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, under the patronage of the Association for the Conservation of Panamanian Wild Orchids (COSPA).

The seminar aimed to explain the advances of COSPA’s preparation for the scheme to protect wild orchids through the training of ecotourism guides in the area of Valle de Antón, where COSPA works in conjunction with the Producers of Valle and Cabuya Association, (APROVACA) in order to promote ecotourism for wild orchid watching.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador Martiz emphasized the importance of this topic for Panama, and he reiterated that ecotourism, as an integrated element for the community, is a valid alternative and practice for conserving the environment, especially that of wild orchids.

COSPA has been engaged in talks with representatives of the National Authority for the Environment (ANAM) and the Panamanian Institute for Tourism (IPAT), so as to be able to establish a training program for ecotourism guides in the Valle de Antón, thus contributing to producing jobs and consequently improving the standard of living within this community.

Ambassador Martiz concluded that the COSPA’s efforts are not only aimed towards the conservation of Panamanian wild orchids, but it is also setting an important example for the non-official cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Panama.

	H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan delivers the opening remarks at the seminar.
	Mr. Koichiro Akechi, President of the Association for the Conservation of Panamanian Wild Orchids, explains the initiative of the Association to promote ecotourism in Panama.

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Panama and Ikebana International Tea

On May 29th, 2007, the Embassy of Panama carried out the event “Panama and Ikebana International Tea”, which took place at the Kowa Building No. 38, Latin-American Room, in Tokyo.

In the said event, Mrs. Pilar Hasebe, President of Ikebana International Panama Chapter, delivered a presentation, showing videotapes of the activities carried out by the Panama Chapter, including flower arrangements. Likewise, Mrs. Shizuyo Nakayama, Former President of Ikebana International, as well as Mrs. Hiroko Abe, Senior Professor of Ikebono School of Ikebana, attended the event. Mrs. Abe carried out a demonstration of flower arrangements.

The Embassy of Panama took the opportunity to exhibit handicrafts and to offer Panamanian specialty coffee and Panamanian sweets to the participants.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, delivered the opening remarks, pointing out that the presentation on activities of Ikebana International Panama Chapter, jointly with Japan Grand Prix International Orchids Festival and World Gardening Fair in Okura, held in February and May, respectively, is part of the efforts of this Diplomatic Mission to promote the rich variety of Panamanian flora.

The event also counted on the present of several wives of Ambassadors accredited to Japan as well as members and friends of Ikebana International Tokyo Chapter.

From left to right, Mrs. Shizuyo Nakayama, Former President of Ikebana International, Mrs. Martha Espinosa de Ruiz Cabañas, Wife of Ambassador of Mexico, Mrs. Pilar Hasebe, President of Ikebana International Panama Chapter, Mrs. Dalia Badr, Wife of Ambassador of Egypt, Mrs. Aline Obame, Wife of Ambassador of Gabon, Mrs. Hiroko Abe, Senior Professor of Ikebono School of Ikebana, and Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of Ambassador of Panama.

Mrs. Hiroko Abe, Senior Professor of Ikebono School of Ikebana, carrying out a demonstration of Ikebana to the audience.

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“Walk the World 2007 – Saving the World’s Hungry” 

On May 13th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in the event “Walk the World 2007”, organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Japan Relations Office in Yokohama, prefecture of Kanagawa. Officers of the United Nations as well as prominent Japanese figures from several fields participated in the 10-Km walking, where Ambassador Martiz got to the goal in first place. 

“Walk the World 2007” is WFP’s global annual awareness and fund raising event aiming at ending the hunger of children in the world. The event started at the same hour at each time zone around the world. In the event, people from various walks of life participated, contributing to raise funds for the activities of WFP. 

The said event had the following supporting sponsors from the public and private sectors: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan; City of Yokohama; Yokohama City Chamber of Commerce; Yokohama International Exchange Association; Japan Walking Association; and so forth.  

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Panama at the 8th Annual World Gardening Fair at Hotel Okura Tokyo

From May 2nd to 6th, the Embassy of Panama participated in the 8th World Gardening Fair 2007 ~“Beautiful garden from the wives of Ambassadors from 10 nations”~, which took place at Hotel Okura, Heian Room, Main Bldg 1st floor. The said event was organized by Hotel Okura and the Ambassadors’ Wives of England, France, Spain, Iceland, Switzerland, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Brazil and Panama.

The Embassy of Panama displayed a countryside-style Panamanian garden, with a hammock, decorated with Panamanian handicrafts. The garden included a small waterfall, Panamanian orchids as well as papaya, mango, and banana trees, among others.

Visitors also took the opportunity to taste Panamanian Sancocho in an adjacent restaurant to the exhibition room, together with dishes from other participating countries.

Princess Takamado jointly with Ambassadors’ Wives of participating countries inaugurated the Gardening Fair, which attracted 22,000 visitors who took a great interest in the Panamanian Garden. 

Fourth from right to left, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama.	Countryside Style Panamanian Garden

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Embassy of Panama co-organized Seminar on Organized Crime

On April 27th, 2007, the Embassy of Panama and the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) carried out a seminar on Organized Crime in Japan, which took place at the Kowa Building No. 38, Latin-American Room, in Tokyo.

The seminar was delivered by Mr. Eric Johnston, Deputy Editor of the Japan Times, Osaka Bureau, who lectured on "The Current Status of Organized Crime in Japan". Mr. Johnston has been living in Japan for 19 years and has been engaged investigative journalism on organized crime.

The seminar was addressed to the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC)’s members, whose Presidency is currently held by the Embassy of Panama for the period 2006-2007. Moreover, the Panamanian Diplomatic Mission has been part of the TCAC Board of Directors since 2002.

The TCAC is an organization composed of the consular and administrative officers of diplomatic missions in Tokyo. Its purpose is to share information and experiences amongst its members, through activities such as working lunches and seminars, which add value to the work of consular and administrative officials.

The said event is the last activity carried out under the Presidency of TCAC held by the Embassy of Panama. During the Panama’s coordination, TCAC dealt with the following issues and activities: Prisoners Law Reforms in Japan, Domestic and Foreign Youth Crime, Foreigners Assistance Organizations in Japan, Visit to a Japanese prison, Perspectives of Japanese lawyers regarding Japanese Law on Prisons, among others.

Mr. Eric Johnston, Deputy Editor of the Japan Times, Osaka Bureau, delivering a presentation on organized crime in Japan	Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC)’s members

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Panama participates in the Conference on Energy Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific

From April 17th to 19th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in the Conference on Energy Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, sponsored by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS). The event took place at the headquarters of Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA).

The purpose of the conference was to deepen energy security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to establish a forum to formulate collective measures aimed at boosting the energy security. At the event, H.E. John Thomas Schieffer, Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan, delivered the Opening remarks at the conference.

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FOODEX JAPAN 2007

From March 13th to 16th, 2007, companies from the Republic of Panama with the support of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and this Diplomatic Mission, participated in Foodex Japan 2007, which took place at Makuhari Messe, in Chiba prefecture. At the event in reference, Productos Lux, S.A. (fruit juices, sauces, canned soups), Central Industrial Chiricana, S.A. (rum), Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A. (noni related products, pixbae, sauces), and Café de Eleta, S.A. (specialty coffee) exhibited their high quality products.

It is important to mention that Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A. carried out a tasting session of pixbae – also known as peach palm - with the support of JETRO. Likewise, Productos Lux, S.A. exhibited canned chicken soup called “Sancocho”, a very traditional dish in Panama, which recently was awarded with the Innovation Prize at the International Trade Fair Expocomer 2007 held in Panama City.

The Embassy of Panama to Japan provided assistance to the Panamanian commercial delegation with decoration of all exhibition booths, 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 into Japanese of informative brochures of three participant companies.

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.

The participation of the said Panamanian companies in FOODEX JAPAN 2007 is considered successful, since they developed an important number of contacts with potential Japanese customers during and after the fair, generating high expectation on the insertion of Panamanian products into the Japanese market.

A Japanese chef is preparing a pie with Panamanian peach palm (pixbae) from Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A.	Tasting of Panamanian peach palm (pixbae) pie

Exhibition booth of Café de Eleta, S.A.	Exhibition booth of Central Industrial Chiricana, S.A. (Carta Vieja rum)
Exhibition booth of Productos Lux, S.A.	From left to right at the Panama pavilion, Mr. Rosmer Jurado (Productos Lux, S.A.), Mr. Wálter Castro, Head of Trade Missions and International Fairs of the Vice-Ministry for International Trade (VICOMEX, in Spanish), H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Fernando Márquez (Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A.), and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama.
Exhibition booth of Agricultura y Maquinaria, S.A.

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Ikebana International Fair 2006 – 2007

On March 4th, 2007, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in Ikebana International Fair 2006 – 2007, organized by the I.I. Tokyo Founding Chapter, which took place at the Tokyo Prince Hotel in Tokyo.

During the event, beautiful flower arrangements are exhibited. In addition, it is important to mention that this is the largest annual charity and fundraising event of the Tokyo chapter. This year, the donations collected at the fair will be delivered to UNICEF and THE CARDIAC CHILDREN FOUNDATION OF THAILAND.

Several Diplomatic Missions accredited to Tokyo participated and exhibited handicrafts and dishes from their countries, providing tourism information to visitors.

This year, the Embassy of the Republic of Panama presented molas and Panamanian handicrafts, and also distributed brochures in Japanese about general information, tourism, indigenous groups, ecotourism, historical sites and world heritages, as well as shopping in Panama.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, took the opportunity to give an exotic Panamanian orchid to H.I.H. Princess Takamado. The orchid’s name is Phramipedium Caudatum, which was recently exhibited at the Panama booth during the Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007 at Tokyo Dome.

From left to right, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama to Japan, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and H.I.H. Princess Takamado, who was visiting our exhibition booth.

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Panama in the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007

From February 24 to March 4, 2007, the Republic of Panama in Japan participated in the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007 held at the Tokyo Dome in the city of Tokyo.

Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007 is one of the largest orchid exhibition in the world, organized by the Grand Prix Committee, the newspaper company “Yomiuri”, and the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).  The event was also supported by the following foreign and Japanese institutions: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Metropolitan government of Tokyo, the World Orchid Conference, the American Orchid Society, and the Royal Horticulture Society of England.

Every year one country is selected as a Special Overseas Exhibitor, and this year the Republic of Panama was chosen after a sustained effort of the Panamanian Embassy in Japan, which presented to the Organizing Committee the great quantity and specialty of endemic orchids that grow in Panama. The national orchids were supplied by Mr. Andrés Maduro from Dracula Farm, located in Cerro Punta, Province of Chiriqui, Panama. 

The program included the opening ceremony with the participation of H.I.H. Princess Takamado, member of the Imperial House, and a live interview about Panama and the Panamanian orchids by the Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, aired by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), providing an opportunity to introduce our country all over Japan.  Also, Mr. Andrés Maduro delivered a speech on different species of orchids growing in our country. 

This year festival’s theme was “the Greek Mythology”, describing pavilions of Apollo, god of the Sun, and Artemis, goddess of the Moon, which were located in the orchid avenue in the center of the Tokyo Dome. The event counted on the presence of 25 countries and regions of the world, and exhibited around 100,000 varieties of orchids, including more than 1,500 Panamanian orchids.  There were prizes for the sum of US$150,000 awarded in different categories such as individual, fragrance, design of the exhibitor’s stands, flower arrangement, art and garden of orchids in miniature.  Every year the festival is visited by an average of 450,000 persons.

The Embassy of Panama in Japan, in cooperation with the Organizing Committee, contributed with the organization and decoration of the orchid exhibition booth and the Panamanian tourism booth, which provided brochures with general information, eco-tourism, native cultures, world heritages, and shopping information of Panama. The orchid exhibition booth also included a section for the conservation of the national orchids. 

The participation of Panama in the event has been considered a success in view of the great number of visitors, the large advertising campaign carried out by the organizers and the live TV program through NHK, which gave the audience the opportunity to appreciate a documentary of Panama, an explanatory interview by the Ambassador and the orchids booth of Panama.  A segment of the event, the documentary and the live interview can be seen at our website. (www.embassyofpanamainjapan.org)

It is important to point out that the event has served as an important platform for the promotion of the Panamanian tourism in general and observation of orchids in particular, where we exhibited the conservationist effort of Panama.  Also, it has become a window of opportunity for the Panamanian orchid producers to get business contacts and eventually to have access to this important market, where people have an extraordinary love for orchids.

The Embassy of Panama also received the strong support of the Tokyo-based Association for the Conservation of Panamanian Wild Orchids (COSPA), through the work of its volunteers.

Exhibition booth of Panama as Special Overseas Exhibit “Orchids of Panama: Admire some of the many natural wonders we possess”	Visitors at the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival 2007
From left to right at our exhibition booth, H.I.H. Princess Takamado, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Andrés Maduro, well-known Panamanian orchids specialist	From left to right, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mrs. Akie Abe, First Lady of Japan, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, Mr. Andrés Maduro and his wife Mrs. Gloria de Maduro.

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Courtesy Visit of ITOCHU Corporation

On January 10th, 2007, Mr. Hiroshi HASHIMOTO, Senior Advisor to ITOCHU Corporation, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, on the occasion of his trip to Panama to explore investment opportunities, including the Panama Canal Expansion Project.

From left to right, Mr. Hiroshi Hashimoto, Senior Advisor to ITOCHU Corporation, and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan.

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Courtesy Visit of Next Resident Representative of JICA Panama Office

On January 10th, 2007, Mr. Yukio NOGUCHI, Senior Assistant to the Director General, Procurement Dept. of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, in the occasion of his recent designation as Resident Representative of JICA, Panama Office.

JICA’s efforts in Panama are focused on poverty alleviation and environmental protection. The visit paid by Mr. Noguchi further strengthens the excellent relationship that already exists between JICA and the Republic of Panama.

From left to right, Mr. Yukio Noguchi, recently designated as Resident Representative of JICA Panama Office and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan.

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Courtesy Visit to Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

On January 4th, 2007, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, paid a visit to Ms. Midori Matsushima, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in order to hold a preparatory dialogue in the occasion of a visit to Panama paid by the Vice Minister Matsushima from January 13th to 15th, 2007.

During the meeting with Ambassador Martiz, Vice Minister Matsushima expressed her interest in Panama Canal affairs. This occasion was also a great opportunity to deepen diplomatic and political relations between the Republic of Panama and Japan.

From left to right, Ms. Midori Matsushima, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Yasunori Yamashita, former journalist

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