Trinidad and Tobago and Panama are seeking to strengthen links in energy, transport and maritime services. The announcement was made after high-level discussions with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Panamanian President, Ricardo Martinelli, on Monday at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.
Martinelli visited Trinidad as a feature speaker at the 2012 Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, St Ann's. A statement yesterday from the Office of the Prime Minister said following the plenary session of the CIF in which the Prime Minister and the President participated, the two leaders met to discuss issues which would see both countries strengthening links in several areas.
Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister, Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Cadiz, Energy and Energy Affairs Minister Kevin Ramnarine and Transport Minister Devant Maharaj were present for the discussions.
Also present were chairman of State-owned Petrotrin Lindsay Gillette, chief executive officer of Lake Asphalt Deonarine Sarabjit and chairman of Caribbean Airlines Rabindra Moonan.
The statement said the Prime Minister proposed the supply of aviation fuel to Panama after Martinelli's disclosure Panama had been in the process of expanding its airport to accommodate an additional 66 gates. On completion, the Panama City airport will be among the largest in Latin America.
Martinelli told the meeting Panama had signed an agreement with a Venezuelan company which planned to construct an underwater pipeline. On this basis, Persad-Bissessar noted the possibility of a joint venture which allowed T&T to supply fuel to Panama, via that pipeline.
Asphalt was also high on the agenda as Persad-Bissessar discussed the possibility of exporting refined asphalt to Panama. Another matter discussed was the possibility of T&T setting up a diplomatic mission in Panama. The statement said the two leaders "also shared their desire for stronger diplomatic ties between both countries. It said Martinelli encouraged Persad-Bissessar to establish an embassy in Panama.