On the highest level visit in the 36-year history of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Panama, the Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, the first woman in her country's history to be elected to both posts, discussed ways to comprehensively enhance cooperation between the two countries.
In an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post, Ms de Saint Malo de Alvarado praised Thailand for its beauty and the warm, friendly people she has met during her brief stay.
She compared Panama's strategic location, between North and South America, to Thailand's geopolitical strength being at the centre of Asean. There is, due to these similarities, lots of potential for increased cooperation between the two parties. With its strength in maritime connectivity, she said Panama is ready to dispatch knowledge and technological know-how to Thailand regarding its deep-sea port project.
Apart from elaborating on where Thailand and Panama's resemblances lie, Ms de Saint Malo de Alvarado discussed bilateral relations, the nature of elections and democracy, as well as gender equality and transparency.
During your meeting with Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha this morning, you mentioned how Panama wishes to become the gateway to the Latin America region. Can you elaborate?
I think we already are the gateway, but we can become more because we have the canal and port and maritime infrastructure. Exports from Asia come through Panama and from Panama they are distributed to the rest of the region.
Can you share with us some insights on issues you discussed with Gen Prayut?
Transportation, diplomatic relations, cooperation on infrastructure, energy, transport and logistics efforts as well as maritime connectivity.
We have cooperated in maritime areas but that has been limited. Actually, Thailand is the 11th largest recipient of exports from Panama. We can do more on this. Many UN headquarters are based in Panama -- we are very much a gateway to the region.
So, what are incentives your government provides for foreign companies?
We have different incentives. [For example] bringing professionals from your country to work in Panama. Tax incentives and strong connectivity [to countries in Latin America]. The Panama canal [which makes it] is also key for getting goods shipped to various destinations in the region.
We have a diplomatic relationship which has been established for 36 years. We strongly believe in the potential of enhanced bilateral relations.
We are also expecting a very important visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The exact date will be announced in the first quarter of next year. We also see a lot of potential in education, tourism and logistical exchange.
What do you think is the current state of relations between Thailand and Panama?
It's a very good relationship. We find that we share many interests. The meeting I had earlier with the Thai private sector showed that there is a lot of interest in Panama. Maybe there will be delegations travelling to and from Panama in the future.
From your perspective, is there potential for a free trade agreement with Thailand?
As Thailand is a key strategic country in the region, we are trying to promote the export of agricultural products from Panama to Asean. We are currently pursuing a free trade agreement with China. Some people have expressed an interest in an FTA with Thailand. Why not? We are going to explore that in the future as well.
We have also asked about a visa waiver to make it easier for Panamanians to come to Thailand as tourists.
What is the essence of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transport that you have discussed with the Thai transport minister?
It's going to be about air and maritime connectivity. The deep sea water port that will be constructed in Thailand will make it possible for vessels to travel directly to Panama and have access to the west coast of the United States and the rest of Latin America.
Resulting from this visit, what will be immediate projects initiated?
We will work on the MoU on transportation. We will also work on a visa waiver for Panamanian citizens to come to Thailand. We will also work on arranging exchanges between technical teams in the private sectors in Panama and Thailand. Also, in Panama there is a commercial fair that happens once a year; there is the possibility that Thailand can gain exposure to Latin America there to [let them] know what it has to offer."
What do you think about the prospect of next year's election? Will it affect decisions on projects between the two countries?
It's great that the election will be held. I have expressed this to the prime minister as well. Panama believes in democracy and freedom. We have an election next year as well. We believe projects we initiate need to be sustainable, and the prime minister [Prayut] and I discussed ways to ensure the projects will go on despite our elections.
We will be looking closely to see what will happen, but I think it's a good thing that Thailand is committed to holding an election next year.
