Juan Carlos Varela, the president of Panama, makes a speech at Renmin University of China on Saturday. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Renmin University of China presented Juan Carlos Varela, the president of Panama, with an honorary doctorate in Beijing on Saturday.

The leader was also appointed honorary adviser to the university’s Latin American Research Center.

Varela is the first Panamanian president to visit China, as China and Panama formally established diplomatic relations on June 13.

At the presentation ceremony, he said Panama attaches great importance to the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to play an active role in Latin America.

He said he hopes Panama can strengthen cooperation with China in maritime affairs, shipping, railways and logistics.

Zheng Yumeng contributed to this story.