The newly-appointed Panamanian Ambassador to Jamaica Alexis Eduardo Sandoval Cajar was welcomed to the island by the present contingent of ambassadors, government officials and well-wishers who turned up at the Talk of Town Ball Room, The Jamaica Pegasus hotel Kingston, on Tuesday, March 31.
The charge d'affaires and head of Consular Affair, Erick Cajar Grimas, along with wife, Gumer Gamero, stood with the ambassador as he greeted the host of specially invited guests.
As mingled ensued among the small gathering, loud laughter echoed in the elegant ballroom as guests were being served hors d'oeuvre, which included shrimp spin roll and barbecue chicken among others - accompanied by a variety of fruit juices and wines.
In his welcome address, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, noted that it was a timely move to assign a new ambassador to Jamaica, "This speaks to the value placed on our diplomatic relations, as well as the commitment to the further strengthening of the already fruitful partnership existing between Jamaica and Panama."
In closing, Brown ensured the ambassador that Jamaica is confident that he will further increase the momentum generated by his predecessor, and assure him of Jamaica's support and commitment to maintaining the strong ties of collaboration and cooperation, which, over the years, have characterised the relationship between both countries.
Ambassador Sandoval expressed his gratitude to the Government of Jamaica for opening the doors to this beautiful island in order for him to undertake his diplomatic mission. He also noted that Panama is of the view that this opportunity will be favourable to having discussions at the highest level with the participating countries, in order to conclude bilateral agreements, in the areas of commerce, tourism, culture, and sports, which can be beneficial to all interested parties in the region.
Among the guests were Chinese Ambassador Xiaojun Dong; Ambassador of Belgium Guy Sevrin; British Ambassador David Fitton; Chilean Ambassador Eduardo J. Bonilla; South African High Comissioner Mathu Joyini; Brazilian Ambassador Antonio F. Da Costa E Silva; Russian Ambassador Vladimir Polenov; Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua, American Ambassador Luis Moreno and Alfredo Stefan, Minister counsellor at the Dominican Embassy.