President Abdel-Fattah AI-Sisi met Monday with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, who praised the Egyptian political leadership for developing Egypt and enhancing its role at the regional level and in the democratic transition, Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Alaa Youssef said.
Varela congratulated the president for the inauguration of the New Suez Canal, pointing out that his country will complete the expansion project of the Panama Canal next year.
 President Sisi thanked the Panamanian President for his country’s participation in the inaugural ceremony of the New Suez Canal, pointing out to the importance of the cooperation between the Suez Canal Authority and the authorities concerned at the Panama Canal in light of Panama’s expertise in the field of maritime navigation and management of harbors and logistics areas.
The president reviewed the latest developments in Egypt over the past few years, pointing out to holding the parliamentary elections in Egypt within the coming couple of months to complete the roadmap.
The president noted the achievements reached in Egypt in confronting terror and violence and its determination to continue with efforts exerted to reach security and stability for the people and provide job opportunities for youth.
The Panamanian President said his country is looking forward to cooperation with Egypt in various fields including exchanging expertise regarding the establishment of logistics areas in the Suez Canal as the case in the Panama Canal.
He asserted his wish to visit Egypt as part of a tour of the Middle East next year. He invited President Sisi to visit Panama and he accepted and expressed hope to welcome him in Egypt next year.
