June 21, 2006
Chávez to deliver speech in Panama

(El Universal) - "Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez will be the key speaker at Panama's National Assembly. Next Thursday, he will attend the celebration of the 180th Anniversary of the Anfictionic Congress. The visit will help improve ties between the two nations, DPA quoted.

In addition to his presentation at the Panamanian Congress, the ruler will meet with his counterpart Martín Torrijos to discuss energy issues and bilateral trade. Also, he will take part in an event with civilian groups at Panama University, according to official sources.

The Anfictionic Congress was organized by Venezuelan founding father Simón Bolívar to unify Latin American countries. The first meeting was held in Panama City, on June 22nd, 1826. Representatives of Hispanic republics attended the event, regarded as the first summit of the Americas.

Delegations from Chile, Costa Rica, Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay are expected to attend the celebration next Thursday, in addition to lawmakers from Cuba, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.