HOURS after the  eruption of a storm of criticism on social media, TV  and radio over  the latest planned jaunt of Panama  President  Varela  to Russia,  The Foreign Ministry  rushed to issue a press  release to reassure  the public that the trip, for which $100,000 has been transferred to the Panama Embassy in Moscow, also has another  purpose.

The Chancellery said that the trip includes an appointment with President  Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, and a "business meeting" to promote investments, and therefore, Varela will do more in Russia than go to the inaugural ceremony of the World Cup,  to which says the Chancellery he  was invited by FIFA president Gianni  Infantini. He will also attend the first match of the National Team on June 18, in Sochi, against Belgium.

The Office of the Comptroller General has authorized $100,000 to cover the expenses of the Varela tour, which will run until June 20. The transfer does not reflect the total cost of the presidential trip reports La Prensa.

The Foreign Ministry said that it is preparing to offer assistance "to the thousands of Panamanian fans attending the World Cup.

"Thus, in addition to strengthening the embassy and consulate, in Moscow, there will be mobile consulates in the cities in which Panama will play in the first stage of the Cup,  Sochi, Nizhny, and Saransk.” said the release.

The trip to Russia would be number 54 for President Varela, who on July 1, 2018, will have served four years in office. An earlier statement floated the possibility of a trip to Australia. His term ends in 2019.