"As you may be aware, the city of Charleston, like the city of Panama City, is a historic port City that shares a proud and prosperous history. Our stories are very similar as reflected by our citizens of European, African, Carribean, native descent, our cuisine, our architecture, and our mutual modern growth in meritime commerce. As Panama City is enjoying a global surge of interest so is Charleston, being ranked as a top destination for travellers, commerce, technology, education, culture and fashion."
- The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr.
Mayor, City of Charleston 1974-2016
Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Former Mayor City of Charleston, David McCollough, Author, and Neita Wiese, Charleston Sister Cities International