Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso exchanged friendly messages Wednesday, marking the centennial anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Koizumi noted that Japan and Panama have cooperated closely through trade and marine transportation. He voiced hope that the two countries will further develop ties over the next 100 years, according to Foreign Ministry officials.
Moscoso voiced gratitude for Japanese economic assistance in the past years, saying that it had contributed to the development of Panama's social and economic progress.
Panamanian Ambassador to Japan Raul Adames visited Senior Vice Foreign Minister Masatoshi Abe to exchange these messages, the officials said.