Brussels, 12/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - During a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday 10 February, European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Panama's First Vice-President and Foreign Minister Samuel Lewis Navarro agreed to allocate €18.5 million to a programme of support for isolated rural areas in Panama. The Commission underlined that "with this programme we intend to promote the development of poorer regions. We are firmly committed to strengthening our political and economic relations with Panama" but in a press release regretted “the country's non-renewal of the GSP+, of which it had made good use in the past”. She recognised the efforts that Panama had made and welcomed the fact that it might apply in 2010. With five other Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua), Panama is currently negotiating an association and cooperation agreement with the European Union (EUROPE 9732). A conclusion of negotiations is hoped for at the end of the year. Most difficulties involve discussions on the trade chapter and incorporation of sensitive products such as coffee or bananas. (M.B./transl.rh)