What did Cho Hyun discuss with Panama and Bahrain in New York?

Cho discussed practical cooperation with both countries during separate meetings in New York. With Panama, he focused on infrastructure projects and multilateral cooperation, while with Bahrain he discussed Middle East issues and continued collaboration at the U.N.

Why did Cho Hyun raise infrastructure cooperation with Panama and Bahrain?

With Panama, Cho expressed hope that Korean companies would expand their involvement in major infrastructure projects. With Bahrain, he said Korean companies had already contributed to infrastructure development through major projects and hoped cooperation would grow in new areas.

What was Cho Hyun's main agenda in New York during the U.N. General Assembly?

Cho was in New York for the high-level segment of the U.N. General Assembly, which was scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday. He planned a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines and also met the General Assembly president to discuss Korea's active contribution and cooperation on AI and emerging technologies.

FM Cho holds talks with Panama, Bahrain counterparts over cooperation

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Summary

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held separate talks with his Panamanian and Bahraini counterparts in New York and discussed practical cooperation and regional issues. He was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly high-level segment and planned more bilateral meetings on the sidelines. Cho also met U.N. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman and agreed to expand cooperation on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

Key Facts

Cho met Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha on Sunday and urged expanded participation by Korean companies in Panama's major infrastructure projects.
The two sides said they would continue close cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, after serving together as nonpermanent members of the U.N. Security Council last year.
In talks with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed to keep cooperating at the U.N. and other international forums to promote regional peace and stability.
Cho told the Bahraini side that Korean companies have already contributed to Bahrain's infrastructure development through major projects.
Cho met U.N. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman and agreed to expand cooperation in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 21, 2026 11:11 am KST

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, second from right, holds talks with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha, left, in New York, Sunday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held separate talks with his Panamanian and Bahraini counterparts in New York and discussed ways to enhance practical cooperation and regional issues, Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday.

Cho is in New York to attend the high-level segment of the U.N. General Assembly, scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday, and will hold a series of bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts on the sidelines.

During talks with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha on Sunday, Cho expressed hope that Korean companies would expand their involvement in Panama's major infrastructure projects, according to the ministry.

The two sides agreed to continue close cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, following their joint work as nonpermanent members of the U.N. Security Council last year, it added.

During the meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the two sides discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed to continue cooperating at the U.N. and other international forums to promote regional peace and stability.

Cho also expressed hope for expanded cooperation in new areas, noting that Korean companies have contributed to Bahrain's infrastructure development through their participation in major projects.

Separately, Cho met with U.N. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman and pledged Korea's active contribution to discussions at the U.N.

The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), the ministry said.

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