Brasilia, 4 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The first engagement of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso in his 2-day trip to Panama will be a work meeting on Tuesday (March 5) with president Mireya Moscoso and Panamanian cabinet ministers. At this meeting, a Joint Declaration outlining the main points that will guide Brazilian and Panamanian relations will be signed.

On Wednesday, the Brazilian president will be honored at a special session of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Panama, where he will give his first speech in that country. Among Cardoso's other appointments on Wednesday is attendance of a ceremony for the signing of the Free Trade Treaty between Panama, Nicaragua and El Salvador - members of the Central American bloc.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Cardoso's visit could help turn around the timid trade between the two nations. In 2001, Brazil exported US$ 105 million in merchandise to Panama and imported US$ 23 million, with a trade balance that tipped in Brazil's favor in approximately US$ 82 million. (MW)