Panama City, June 28th, 2016 – President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, held a series of meetings with representatives of various countries during his official visit to Panama. On Monday, he met with the Secretary General of the Latin American Parliament, based in Panama, Elias Castillo.
President Thaçi expressed his interest in establishing a Friendship Group in the Panamanian National Assembly and also the possibility of Kosovo’s membership as an observer state in the Latin American Parliament, known as Parlatino.
“To Kosovo, Panama is the center of Latin America. It is among the first countries to have recognized Kosovo, therefore we have opened our embassy here. Other countries of Latin America should follow the example of Panama”, President Thaçi said, adding that cooperation between Kosovan MPs and those of Panama and Parlatino would ensure advancement of Kosovo’s relations with this part of the world.
On the other hand, Parlatino’s Secretary General, Elias Castilo welcomed President Thaçi’s proposal stressing that Kosovo has a place in the Latin American Parliament.
During the day, President Thaçi held a lecture at one of the most influential universities in Panama, “Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua”, which is renowned for its commitment to human rights.
At this university, President Thaçi was awarded the “Honorary visitor” title.
Initially, the university’s rector Juan Planells Fernández said that President Thaçi with his leadership and work for Kosovo has been an inspiration to all.
“The visit of the President of Kosovo, a small country that has emerged from a painful period, but with an attitude towards reconciliation and open dialogue for all, is undoubtedly a signal of hope for mankind and as such encourages the world to continue down that path” rector Fernández said.
President Thaçi, in his speech before the university’s management and students said that Kosovo remains a model of coexistence.
In separate meetings, President Thaçi met with the presidents of countries of Central and South American countries, with Juan Carlos I, former King of Spian, with prime minister and state ministers, with a particular focus on countries that have not recognized Kosovo, the country that expects to be soon recognized by them.
“I thanked in particular the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela for the generous hospitality and the support his country has given Kosovo in global diplomatic interaction”, President Thaçi added.
President Thaçi also met with the President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís, one of the first that has recognized Kosovo and which offered ongoing support for its membership in international organizations.
“We agreed to accredit non-resident ambassadors and launch a series of consultations to increase exchange in all areas. I accepted with pleasure the invitation to visit Costa Rica later, and also invited my counterpart for a visit to Kosovo. We are blessed to have friends in every part of the world”, President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi.
President Thaçi also met with the President of Paraguay, Horacios Cartes, President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, President of the Dominical Republic, Danilo Medina Sánchez, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness and Vice President of Guatemala, Jafeth Ernesto Cabrera Franco.