China, Panama turn page in ties

Presidents Xi and Varela witness signing of deals one day after embassy opens in Beijing

China and Panama signed 19 cooperation documents covering such areas as finance, agriculture, trade and tourism in a ceremony witnessed on Friday by the presidents of the two countries.

The agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in Beijing during the state visit of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. Diplomatic relations between China and Panama were established in June after Panama cut its ties with China's Taiwan. On Thursday, Varela inaugurated Panama's embassy in Beijing.