Pete Hegseth the US Secretary of Defense Arrives in Panama
Pete Hegseth will meet with President José Raúl Mulino and members of his Cabinet during the official agenda.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Panama at the Panama Pacifico International Airport at 10:25 p.m. Monday night, April 7. He was greeted by Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego.
This is the second visit by a senior US official to the country this year. In early February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stopped in the Panamanian capital as part of a tour of Latin America. According to the U.S. Embassy in Panama, Hegseth will participate in the 2025 Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC), an event co-organized by the governments of Panama and the United States.
During his stay, the official will hold bilateral meetings with senior civilian, military and security leaders from partner countries to promote ongoing initiatives that strengthen regional cooperation. These actions, according to the embassy, reflect a “shared vision of a peaceful and secure continent.”
His visit, however, comes amid diplomatic tensions. In recent months, US President Donald Trump has denounced alleged Chinese influence in the management of the Panama Canal, allegations that have been rejected by the Panamanian government. “It is a privilege to represent the United States as the first Secretary of Defense to visit the country in more than two decades,” Hegseth wrote on his official X account, before starting the trip.
Also in Panama for the CENTSEC 2025 conference, which brings together regional defense and security leaders, is Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the U.S. Army’s Southern Command.
Official Agenda
The Hegseth agenda begins Tuesday, April 8, at 8:50 a.m., with a meeting at the Presidential Palace with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The president will be accompanied by several members of his Cabinet: Javier Martínez Acha (Foreign Affairs), Frank Ábrego (Security), Felipe Chapman (Economy and Finance), José Ramón Icaza (Panama Canal Affairs), and Juan Carlos Navarro (Environment). Also participating will be Panama’s ambassador to the United States, José Miguel Alemán, and Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez. As part of the official agenda, Hegseth will tour the Miraflores Locks.
“What a fantastic welcome to Panama! I look forward to meeting with my Panamanian counterparts to continue the crucial work of strengthening security cooperation between the United States and Panama,” Hegseth posted on the social media platform X after arriving in the country.
