Brasilia, 4 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso begins a 2-day state visit to Panama on Tuesday. According to the Foreign ministry, the goal of this trip is to bolster trade, diplomatic and political relations with the Central American nation, as well as allow for the continuation of bilateral negotiations aimed at promoting the economic growth of South and Central American nations.

The president will be in a position of distinction in the two events considered fundamental by Panamanian authorities for the nation's development. The first is the initiation of the construction works for the deepening of the Catun Lake, one of the most important endeavors of the project for the modernization of the Panama Canal; and the second is the opening of the 20th Panama Trade Fair. (Expocomer). Cardoso was the only Latin American president to be invited by President Mireya Moscoso to attend both events. He will speak at both ceremonies, to be held this Wednesday, March 6.

According to the Itamaraty chancellery, Cardoso was given this honor due to the efforts undertaken by the Brazilian government in the defense of democracy and the unity of Latin American nations. (MW)