How Did the Indian Envoy Celebrate Panama's ‘Fiestas Patria’ and Independence Day?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's Ambassador met with the President of Panama to celebrate national festivities.
- The Qutub Minar was illuminated in Panamanian colors.
- Strengthening of bilateral relations through cultural exchanges.
- Formation of an Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group.
- Historical ties between India and Panama date back to the 19th century.
Panama City, Nov 6 (NationPress) India's Ambassador to Panama Sumit Seth had a significant meeting with Panama President Jose Raul Mulino and senior cabinet ministers on Thursday, extending heartfelt wishes for the celebrations of ‘Fiestas Patria’ and Panama's Independence Day.
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy noted, "A courtesy meeting with the esteemed President of Panama took place. Ambassador Sumit Seth conveyed festive greetings on the occasion of ‘Fiestas Patria’ and Panama's Independence Day along with senior cabinet ministers."
To commemorate this important occasion, the historic Qutub Minar was illuminated with the colors of the Panamanian national flag. The Indian mission expressed, "In a special tribute, India's iconic Qutub Minar has been lit in the colors of the Panamanian national flag to honor their Independence Day. ¡ Felices Fiestas Patria Panama!" on November 3.
The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also shared his wishes with his Panamanian counterpart, Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, and the citizens of Panama, highlighting the importance of their cooperative relationship.
"Best wishes to FM Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, the Government, and the people of Panama on their National Day. We cherish our robust bilateral and multilateral cooperation," EAM Jaishankar noted on X.
Earlier in October, the Indian Embassy announced the formation of an Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group comprising 20 members from the Panamanian National Assembly.
"A new chapter has begun with the establishment of a 20-member Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, enhancing bilateral ties between India and Panama. Ambassador Sumit Seth, along with H.E. Walkiria Chandler and Jorge Bloise, participated in the Oath-Taking Ceremony at the National Assembly of Panama," the embassy stated on X.
The relationship between India and Panama is one of the oldest in the Central American region, tracing back to the mid-19th century when Indian workers arrived for the construction of the Panama Railways and later the Panama Canal. Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1962, with Panama maintaining a Resident Mission in New Delhi and appointing a Consul General in Mumbai in 2018. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India enjoys warm and cordial political relations with Panama.