Boosting friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Panama President Truong Tan Sang and Panama President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal at welcoming ceremony.    Nhan Dan- The President of the Republic of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, and his wife have arrived in Hanoi to begin a four-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang. This is the first time a Panamanian head of state has visited Vietnam, marking a new step in developing friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Panama. The visit is being made at a time when co-operation between Vietnam and Panama, as well as other Latin American countries, is developing in all fields. This is the result of sound, open external relations policy and the consistent policy of multilatererisation, diversification of relations, international integration of the Party and State of Vietnam and also proves that Vietnam is a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. Vietnam and Panama officially established diplomatic relations in August 1975. Vietnam opened its embassy in Panama in 2002 and Panama opened its embassy in Hanoi in 2006. Both countries hope to accelerate their bilateral co-operation in all areas, particularly those in which each side has potential and strength. The two countries have exchanged a number of high-level visits, including the visits to Panama by Chairman of Ministers’ Council Pham Van Dong in September 1975 and Foreign Minister Pham Dy Nien in September 2002 Panama’s Ministers of Agricultural Development, Guillermo Salazar and Victor Perez, also visited Vietnam in June 2008 and March 2010, respectively. Both nations have also signed a number of co-operation agreements in diplomacy, agriculture, science, technology and maritime transport. Two-way trade between Vietnam and Panama has surged in recent years from US$50 million in 2005 to US$245 million in 2011. The two sides frequently share opinions and support each other at regional and multilateral forums. Panama supported Vietnam joining the World Trade Organisation and running for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in the 2008 – 2009 tenure, and recognised Vietnam as a market economy in September 2010. During President Martinelli’s visit to Vietnam, he aims to discuss orientations and measures to strengthen multilateral co-operation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. May the Panamanian President’s visit be a success, contributing to boosting the co-operation between Vietnam and Panama for mutual, practical benefits and to promote peace, stability, co-operation and progress in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.-ND