India, Panama agree to work together against terrorism

India and Panama agreed to work together to deal with the menace of terrorism.

Addressing a press briefing, Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs said, "Importance of working together very closely in dealing with the menace of terrorism was also a part of the discussion. Panama agreed for collaboration in Intelligence sharing. Human trafficking issues and mutual legal assistance treaty on criminal matters would also be taken into consideration.

She further informed that India and Panama signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU), one on visa exemption for diplomatic official and consular passport and the other on the work plan for cooperation in the agriculture sector.

The MoUs were signed in presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Panama President Juan Carlos Varela.

India has also offered two lines of credit - 10 million dollar line of credit for Bio-Technology and 15 million dollar for Innovation sector- to Panama.

Saran further said that Panama has also eased their visa policies to allow greater Indian participation, business and tourism.

"Panama has introduced new laws which would encourage greater investments in Colon Free Trade Zone," she added.

Saran further said that the Panama President was interested in more Indian investments in IT, agriculture, cold storage warehouses, textile, automobile and pharmaceutical sectors.

The two countries also discussed about collaborating academic and education field, she added.

Vice President Naidu also thanked Panama for giving its support to India for its candidature for the Indian Court of Justice (ICJ).

Vice President Naidu and the Panama President also talked about reciprocal support for a non-permanent seat at the security council for their respective candidate.

Saran further informed that Panama President Varela broke protocol and came to receive Vice President Naidu at the entrance. The discussion lasted for almost two hours.

Vice President Naidu, who is on a five-day visit to Central America, reached Panama on Tuesday.

He is on a three-nation visit to Guatemala, Panama and Peru which commenced from May 6.