In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Panama’s National Assembly has formed a multiparty interparliamentary friendship group with Taiwan’s legislature. This new initiative aims to facilitate parliamentary exchanges and collaboration, marking a noteworthy shift in the relationship between the two entities. The group is composed of 45 lawmakers, accounting for over 60% of Panama’s 71-member assembly. Among its prominent members are National Assembly President Shirley Castañedas, along with Vice Presidents Manuel Cohen and Manuel Cheng.
Taiwan has expressed a warm welcome to this development, highlighting the potential for strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and expanding cooperative efforts. The initiative is rooted in shared values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, according to Taiwan’s response. This move comes after a series of visits by more than 20 Panamanian lawmakers to Taiwan over the past six months, emphasizing the growing interest in fostering closer ties.
The establishment of this parliamentary friendship group is particularly notable given the historical context. Panama severed formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in June 2017, opting instead to recognize China. The revival of a platform for dialogue and cooperation with Taiwan signals a potential recalibration of Panama’s approach to international partnerships, at least on a parliamentary level.
With this new group, both Panama and Taiwan anticipate enhanced dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The initiative is not only expected to facilitate discussions on common issues but also to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two regions. This development underscores the possibility of rekindling a cooperative relationship grounded in shared principles and mutual respect.