To Reinforce Border Security, Panama and Costa Rica Strengthen their Alliance
Both ministers agreed that coordination between Panama and Costa Rica has contributed to maintaining a “calm” border.
Panama and Costa Rica consolidated a strategic alliance this Saturday to strengthen security on their common border and jointly confront transnational organized crime; within the framework of a high-level bilateral meeting held in the border area of Paso Canoas, in the Panamanian province of Chiriquí, reported the Ministry of Security of Panama.
Agreements Between Panama and Costa Rica
“(The effort) strengthens digital border control and allows for a more effective response to organized crime,” highlighted Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Abrego, and also emphasized that “the operational integration between both countries increases the capacity to anticipate and react to threats.”
During the meeting, Abrego and his Costa Rican counterpart, Mario Zamora Cordero, reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, with special emphasis on territorial protection and citizen security. Paso Canoas is a key customs point for the region, as it handles goods arriving in Panama via the interoceanic Canal and the Colón Free Zone (ZLC), destined for sale in Central America, as well as regional products for export.
For his part, the Costa Rican minister described the meeting as “effective and productive,” and stressed the importance of “sustained police cooperation that allows for a more forceful confrontation of the criminal structures operating in the region.” As part of the agenda, according to official information, authorities inaugurated a new National Border Service (SENAFRONT) Operations Center in the Progreso sector, intended to strengthen the monitoring and control of the area through surveillance technology, including cameras and drones, as well as the exchange of information in real time between both countries.
Border Patrol
Additionally, the delivery of eight vehicles to reinforce patrols in the area was announced, along with the intensification of joint operations at strategic points along the border. Authorities indicated that these measures will allow for a greater operational presence, improved response capacity, and greater peace of mind for border communities.
Authorities from Panama and Costa Rica will implement an Integrated Control System at the border crossing between the two countries through a Binational Coordination Committee.
Both ministers agreed that coordination between Panama and Costa Rica has contributed to maintaining a “peaceful, stable and developing” border, and indicated that in upcoming meetings, including one in San José, new agreements will be promoted to deepen cooperation on security matters.
Integrated Control
In February 2024, authorities from both countries inaugurated, on the Costa Rican side, the Paso Canoas Integrated Control Center, a 14,000 square meter facility designed to expedite the procedures and flow of the approximately 200 cargo trucks and 800 people who cross the border daily from Panama. The meeting brought together high-ranking officials from the public forces of both nations, who made progress in articulating joint strategies to combat threats such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, under an approach of coordinated action and intelligence sharing. This binational approach reaffirms the commitment of both countries to guarantee the safety of their citizens and sends a clear message of joint action against organized crime.
