The United States Calls Panama an “Important Ally” after Mulino-Hegseth Meeting

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also expressed the United States’ interest in strengthening and expanding its relationship with Panama, considering that the country has an importance that goes beyond its financial role.  President José Raúl Mulino and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held a bilateral meeting this Wednesday within the framework of the Coalition of the Americas against the Cartels , where they highlighted the cooperation between both countries in regional security and the fight against drug trafficking.  Hegseth described Panama as an “important ally” of the United States and highlighted its participation in strategies against cartels and in addressing situations such as irregular migration in the region. 

The U.S. official noted that both countries share objectives and interests, which, he said, has contributed to the development of initiatives such as the Coalition of the Americas against the Cartels.  Mulino, for his part, reviewed the regional security actions in which Panama participates along with Colombia and other countries. “I am positive about all this cooperation and appreciate the collaboration with the different groups in the United States,” said the president, who stressed that these actions are carried out respecting the principle of sovereignty of each nation.  Hegseth also expressed the United States’ interest in strengthening and expanding its relationship with Panama, considering that the country has an importance that goes beyond its financial role.