# Panamanian lawmakers establish friendship group with Taiwan's Legislative Yuan

> Forty-five Panamanian lawmakers have formed an interparliamentary group to facilitate exchanges with Taiwan, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

- Published: 2026-09-10T16:00:43.222Z
- Category: world
- Source: [Taipei Times](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/09/10/2003863997)
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The Panamanian National Assembly officially established a friendship group with Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan during an inaugural ceremony in Panama City on Tuesday. The multiparty group includes 45 of the assembly's 71 lawmakers, with leadership participation from National Assembly President Shirley Castanedas and vice presidents Manuel Cohen and Manuel Cheng.

**Why it matters:** The formation of this group creates a formal parliamentary channel between Panama and Taiwan, allowing for continued cooperation in technology and trade despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations since 2017. It involves a majority of the Panamanian National Assembly, signaling a significant legislative effort to maintain bilateral ties and address external pressures.

## Diplomatic and legislative context

Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomed the formation of the group, stating in a congratulatory video that it provides an opportunity to deepen parliamentary diplomacy and expand bilateral cooperation. The ministry noted that the group's creation follows visits to Taiwan by more than 20 Panamanian lawmakers over the past six months. Taiwan and Panama ended formal diplomatic relations in June 2017.

## Goals for bilateral cooperation

Panamanian lawmakers Jose Antonio Perez-Barboni and Joan Manuel Guevara, both members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, described the group as a step toward closer economic and trade ties. Guevara noted that such cooperation allows for the development of parliamentary diplomacy despite the lack of formal state-level relations, helping both sides defend sovereignty and withstand external pressure. Recent delegations have focused on Taiwan's technological and economic development, signaling a shift toward practical cooperation.

### Timeline

- **June 2017** — Taiwan and Panama ended formal diplomatic ties.
- **November 2023** — IPAC members led a delegation to Taiwan.
- **February 2024** — IPAC members led a delegation to Taiwan.
- **July 2024** — Orlando Carrasquilla led a delegation to Taiwan.
- **Tuesday** — The Panamanian National Assembly established the friendship group.

**Key points**

- The friendship group includes 45 out of 71 total Panamanian lawmakers.
- US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, sent a congratulatory video message for the inaugural ceremony.
- Panamanian delegations led by IPAC members visited Taiwan in November 2023 and February 2024.
- Orlando Carrasquilla, chairman of the Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Affairs, led a delegation to Taiwan in July.
- Formal diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Panama were severed in June 2017.