China speaks highly of Panama's forging diplomatic ties: Vice President

The Chinese government speaks highly of the Panamanian government's subscribing to and adhering to the one-China principle as well as establishing diplomatic relations with China, Vice-President Li Yuanchao told Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama's vice-president and foreign minister, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Earlier on Tuesday, China and Panama signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Li said that the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations lives up to the general trend and the common aspiration of the public.

The establishment champions the one-China principle and serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, achieving both righteousness and benefit, Li said.

"We hope that both sides will make joint efforts to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance mutual trust, complement each other, deepen cooperation and promote the steady development of bilateral ties," Li added.

The visiting vice-president said that Panama will stay committed to the one-China principle, and is willing to carry out cooperation in a wide range of areas and introduce a new chapter to the ties.