On the afternoon of July 9, President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan received a seven-member cross-party delegation from the National Assembly of Panama. Also in attendance were KMT Legislator Dr. Alice Chang, TPP Legislator Tsai Chun-Chou, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-Chi.
President Han started by warmly welcoming the delegation and inviting the guests to sample Taiwan’s famous bubble tea and Irwin mangoes, and expressed his hope that the members of the delegation visiting Taiwan for the first time would be able to personally experience Taiwan’s hospitality and its unique food culture. President Han noted that the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China and the National Assembly of Panama both operate under a unicameral system, with 113 seats and 71 seats, respectively. He mentioned that both legislatures carry out important functions such as legislation, budget review, personnel approval, and government oversight, playing a crucial role in their democratic systems.
He quoted a line from a famous Chinese couplet, “A visit from an old friend is most friendship when the storm is at its worst,” extending his gratitude to the Panamanian cross-party delegation of National Assembly members for visiting Taiwan despite the impending typhoon, a gesture highlighting their unwavering friendship and support for Taiwan. He pointed out that despite recent changes in the official relationship, Taiwan and Panama share a deep relationship spanning over a century, with the friendship between the peoples and the bond between the two democratic partners remaining as strong as ever. He stressed that Taiwan and Panama are close trading partners, as evidenced by the fact that Taiwan imports large quantities of white shrimp from Panama every year, accounting for nearly 40% of its total white shrimp imports. He remarked that Taiwan enjoys a global competitive edge in key sectors, including semiconductors, quality healthcare, SMEs, and functional textiles. He expressed hope that the two countries will expand cooperation in trade, technology, and industry to create mutually beneficial development opportunities and enhance the well-being of their peoples.
Delegation leader Orlando Vladimir Carrasquilla Bonilla expressed gratitude on behalf of the delegation to President Han and the attending legislators for their warm hospitality. He noted that the delegation has felt the warmth and goodwill of the Taiwanese people and was very much impressed by Taiwan’s outstanding achievements in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), sports, and technology. He added that enjoying Taiwan’s signature bubble tea offered the delegation a tangible sense of the strong connection between the two nations. He emphasized that while official bilateral relations have encountered challenges, people-to-people friendship has remained steadfast between Taiwan and Panama over the last century, and he looks forward to deeper bilateral exchanges and cooperation in more areas in the future.
Medín Jiménez Pitti, member of the National Assembly of Panama, stressed that the century-old connection between Taiwan and Panama is invaluable. He affirmed that upon returning home, the delegation will facilitate the establishment of a pro-Taiwan caucus in the Panamanian National Assembly to deepen inter-parliamentary exchanges. He indicated that Panama’s abundant natural resources, the Panama Canal, and the Colón Free Trade Zone make the country an ideal destination for Taiwanese investment, which will drive economic growth and public well-being for both sides. In response, President Han stated that if and when the Panamanian National Assembly establishes a pro-Taiwan caucus, he would encourage legislators in Taiwan to launch a Taiwan-Panama inter-parliamentary friendship association to strengthen engagement between the two legislatures.
During the bilateral discussions, Legislator Chang first greeted the guests in Spanish, explaining that she and Legislator Tsai both represent Yunlin County, a major agricultural hub in Taiwan. She expressed hope for expanded exchanges between Taiwan and Panama in agriculture, fishery, white shrimp farming, and the coffee industry, adding that the establishment of parliamentary friendship groups on both sides would help deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation.
Legislator Tsai mentioned that Taiwan and Panama share a passion for baseball and a close bond has been formed through years of sports exchanges. She voiced hope that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with Panama in areas such as sports, education, and culture. She further praised Panamanian coffee and Gukeng coffee from Yunlin, noting that both are unique and well worth promoting in each other’s markets. In closing, she cordially invited the guests to visit Taiwan again for its vibrant religious culture, and offered a blessing from the sea goddess Mazu to express her best wishes to the delegation for a safe journey home as well as for the two nations’ enduring friendship.
The meeting lasted approximately 80 minutes, concluding on a warm and friendly note with an exchange of gifts and a group photo. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the legislative chamber, bringing the day’s exchanges to a successful close. (2026/07/09)
