Panama and Costa Rica Friday agreed to strengthen their political and commercial ties and strive for more cooperation upon concluding a bilateral meeting with mixed commissions from both countries.

The two-day meeting took place in David, Panama, with the attendance of Panamanian Vice-President and Foreign Minister Samuel Lewis and Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno.

Lewis told the press that during the meeting, the leaders identified border issues on which the two countries plan to work together, including immigration, customs and security.

They're developing ways to exchange information and guarantee that “those that use the border for elicit activities will be punished,” he said.

Both delegations also vowed to continue take advantage of the friendly relationship the countries enjoy to increase commerce and tourism.

Stagno said he was satisfied with the meeting and that there is now a mechanism for political consultations “that, strangely, didn't exist between the two countries.”

The meeting coincided with the conclusion of negotiations on a free-trade agreement between Costa Rica and Panama, which is scheduled to be signed into effect in San José Aug. 7. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next year in Costa Rica.