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In the News from Panama

Pres. Varela Concludes Whirlwind Washington Tour

A delegation from Panama led by President Juan Carlos Varela has finished up a busy visit to Washington D.C., where they were promoting the country’s economic and political interests.

The trip included meetings between Varela and President Donald Trump. Discussions focused on coordinated efforts to fight illegal drugs, the political situation in Venezuela and immigration issues, according to coverage.

“Things are going well in Panama,” Trump said. “The relationship has been very strong. We are developing new things to do and only getting stronger.”

The meetings also highlighted the deep economic connections and history between the U.S. and Panama, including international trade. “The idea for this visit is to work closely together as we face the same challenges we have in the region of Central America and Latin America,” Varela said.

(Varela’s visit entered the overheated U.S. news cycle when Pres. Trump appeared to brag about building the Panama Canal. “I think we did a good job building it,” Trump said during a media event. Varela quickly replied: “Yes, 100 years ago.” The exchange received widespread media attention.)

In addition to his meeting with Trump, President Varela met with members of the U.S. Congress. In addition to a meeting with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Varela met with Democrat leader Nancy Pelosi and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Varela also visited with Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee for President in 2008, who was born in the Panama Canal Zone. His father was a Navy officer stationed in Panama.

The Washington tour concluded with an event dubbed Panama Fest, organized by the Panama Tourism Authority, to promote Panama tourism. The event was targeted toward tour operators and travel agencies, as Panama ramps up its effort to promote the country around the world.

U.S. vice president Mike Pence is scheduled to travel to Panama in August.