Indonesia, Panama Sign Free Visa Agreement

London (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and Panama have signed a free visa agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders to enhance cooperation between the two countries, according to the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministrys statement received by Antara here, Tuesday.

The agreement was signed by Director General for America and Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dian Djani Triansyah during a visit to Panama along with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Luis Miguel Hincapie.

Djani affirmed that the signing is expected to encourage trading and investment cooperation.

In addition, the two countries have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultation for strengthening relations between the two countries in various fields, including trading, investment, tourism, and education.

Hincapie remarked that the agreements mark a new chapter in the cooperation between Indonesia and Panama.

"I believe that the future of bilateral relations will become stronger and stronger in many areas," Hincapie emphasized.

Panama, which has 50 free trade agreements and has joined the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), is the entry point for Indonesian exports to Central and South American regions.

Sixty percent of the total Indonesian exports to Panama worth US$120.5 million are re-exported to several Central and South American countries. (WDY)