Panama's ambassador: 'The harmony of antiquity and modernity in Baku impressed me' - INTERVIEW

- In one year, I have visited Azerbaijan five times, and I am really impressed, especially with Baku and how it has integrated the former Soviet architecture into the modern and dynamic designs of the city. I am also impressed with the model cities that have been developed in the liberated territories. I wish I could see more of the country and its traditions in the near future.

- Madam Mariela Sagel, on November 3rd, Panama celebrates its National Day. What can you say about the history of this day?

- The meaning of this day is very important for us. 120 years ago, finally, Panama became a republic, independent, and sovereign. You have to take into account that we got our independence from Spain in 1821, but instead of becoming an independent country, we decided to become part of Simon Bolivar’s dream to have a big nation called "Grand Colombia”, formed by Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.

- How do you estimate Panama-Azerbaijani relations? What will be the main directions of your activities in Azerbaijan as an ambassador?

- Taking advantage of the experience of the Free Economic Zone of Panama established in 1946, we are planning opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan in the direction of the rapid restoration of your territories freed from occupation. We intend to explore the issue of exchange for students in well-developed careers in Azerbaijan. It is part of our plans to study the achievements of Azerbaijan's green hydrogen industry and exchange in this field. In addition, we want to introduce our world-renowned banking system in Azerbaijan, the importance of the Panama Canal for the whole world, and the service of our important maritime consulate in Istanbul.

Panama can show how we reintegrated the 14 military bases that the United States occupied for more than 70 years, especially our proud and successful “City of Knowledge”, we transformed a place dedicated to war into a lighthouse to expand knowledge and technology in an environment of peace.

- Madam Ambassador, in your meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was also mentioned. This summer, there was a visit by foreign countries to Azerbaijan as part of the Non-Aligned Movement, and you participated too? And how do you evaluate the initiatives of Azerbaijan's Non-Aligned Movement?

- Indeed, I participated with great enthusiasm. For Panama, the NAM is very important because the movement strongly supported the negotiations between Panama and the United States to get back control of the Panama Canal. In 1976, at the meeting held in Sri Lanka, General Omar Torrijos received the full support of the movement and said that Panama will never forget and will always be grateful. On September 7, 1977, Panama and the United States signed the treaty that returned the control and sovereignty of our most precious possession.

You know that Azerbaijan liberated Karabakh in 2020 after nearly 30 years of occupation. Currently, extensive construction and restoration work is underway in that region. Companies from different countries participate in the process. Can Panama be involved in the process in some way?

Panama can show how we reintegrated the 14 military bases that the United States occupied for more than 70 years, especially our proud and successful “City of Knowledge”, that we transformed a place dedicated to war into a lighthouse to expand knowledge and technology in an environment of peace.

Diplomats in Azerbaijan have repeatedly visited the liberated territories. Do you have a plan to go to Karabakh?

I had visited the territories three times, and that is why I think the model we followed can be reply. Besides, I was Minister when we received all those territories, and I know how to do it.

Madam Ambassador, what can you say about cultural relationships between two countries? What plans do you have for the development of relations between peoples and cultures in the humanitarian field?

- I have many plans, as well as what I have done in Türkiye in the cultural field. For example, we have shown Panamanian movies, songs, traditions, anticraft, paintings, and literature, and we are eager to show them to the people of Azerbaijan. Even our biodiversity would be interesting. We are exporting butterflies (Panama has 10% of the worldwide variety of butterflies) to a botanical garden in Konya.

- Panama is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. How are relations with Azerbaijan in the field of tourism? What steps are planned for the development and promotion of this field?

- We want to present the great opportunities that Panama has in the field of tourism, especially the great connectivity that Turkish Airlines has with our country. We are ready whenever Azerbaijan is. One important issue is the visa. In reciprocity, Panama asks for the visit of Azerbaijani citizens because Panamanians are asked to have a visa to enter the country. If we reach an agreement that visas are exempt, the tourist sector will benefit both countries.

- What products does Azerbaijan mainly buy from Panama?

- As far as I know, there are no imports yet, but I know that Azerbaijan needs to buy seafood, fruits, and coffee from Panama because we produce the best quality.

- Can your country open an embassy in Azerbaijan in the near future?

- I hope yes if we work hard to promote our country and services in Azerbaijan.

- Is it expected to open direct flights between the two countries?

- It depends on the national airline of Azerbaijan, since ours, COPA, does not fly across the ocean but has 92 destinations on the whole of America’s continent. Most of the people that fly in Turkish Airlines use our Hub of the Americas to go to many of the destinations of COPA, which includes not only Latin America but also Canada and the United States.

- What high-level visits are expected in the near future?

- I am trying to organize “Panama Days” with the presence of the Director of ProPanama, the entity that is responsible for attracting investment and promoting exchange, and also high-level functionaries of the Ministry of Commerce.