US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Panama's Security Minister Discuss Canal Security and Countering China

Bilateral Security Cooperation

• 🤝 Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for the friendship and partnership with Panamanian counterparts, highlighting a productive visit.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. is committed to supporting the Panama Canal, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers having a long history of cooperation with the Panama Canal Authority since 1904.
• 🚀 Cooperation has strengthened significantly since President Trump's election, focusing on three key areas: securing borders, countering cartels, and securing the Panama Canal.

Securing the Panama Canal

• 🔑 The Panama Canal is identified as key terrain that must be secured by Panama with U.S. support, not by China.
• 📜 A memorandum of understanding on cooperative security activities and a joint declaration on canal security and operation were signed, facilitating U.S. warship passage.
• 🛠️ These agreements will increase joint training, exercises, operations, and interoperability, reestablishing presence at Fort Sherman, Rodman Naval Station, and Howard Air Force Base.
• 🏫 The jungle school at Fort Sherman will be revived alongside Panamanian forces.

Countering Malign Influence and Threats

• 🚫 Panama's efforts in the Darien Gap have led to a 99% decrease in crossings, demonstrating success in stopping mass illegal migration.
• 🇨🇳 The U.S. aims to counter China's malign influence in the region, particularly concerning the Panama Canal.
• 🌐 Expanded security cooperation includes enhanced cyber cooperation, information sharing, bilateral security dialogues, and canal infrastructure improvements.

Regional Security and 'America First'

• 🌍 The U.S. is participating in the Central America Security Conference, emphasizing regional security as a top priority.
• 🚢 The U.S.NS Comfort hospital ship will visit Panama to provide medical aid and deepen bilateral relationships.
• 🦅 The 'America First' approach is framed as strengthening alliances and partnerships for mutual benefit, aiming to make the Americas great together.
• 🤝 The U.S. is working with partners to confront shared threats, secure borders, stop illegal migration, and destroy transnational cartels and gangs.