OAS head and Panamanian president hold talks

PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 1 (UPI) -- Panamanian President Martin Torrijos and the head of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, held talks Friday, OAS officials said.

Torrijos and Insulza reportedly discussed the role of private sector and private-public partnerships "in promoting growth, increasing prosperity and reducing poverty in the hemisphere," officials said in a statement sent to United Press International.

The meeting precedes the upcoming OAS General Assembly in Panama City, which is expected to focus on renewable energy and sustainable development in the region.

"I'm sure the ministers who will attend the General Assembly will speak with one voice on the need to promote the alternatives presented by renewable energy and energy efficiency ..., " said Insulza.