US discusses with Panama protection of canal, agrees to expand cooperation with military
Panama Canal (photo: Stan Shebs/wikipedia.org)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conducted talks with Panama's Minister of Public Security Frank Alexis Ábrego. During the conversation, the parties discussed, among other issues, the protection of the Panama Canal, according to the Pentagon.
According to US Secretary of Defense spokesperson John Ullyot, the conversation was described as constructive and took place on February 4.
"Secretary Hegseth emphasized that his top priority is to safeguard US national security interests under President Trump's leadership, to include ensuring unfettered access to the Panama Canal and keeping it free from foreign interference," the Pentagon stated.
Additionally, Hegseth and Ábrego affirmed their countries' commitment to protecting the Panama Canal and agreed to expand cooperation between the US military and Panama's security forces.
The Pentagon also mentioned that Hegseth expressed gratitude to Panama for its efforts to curb transnational organized crime and illegal migration, as well as for Panama's willingness to accept migrants from third countries for repatriation back to their home nations.
"Secretary Hegseth and Minister Mulino agreed to remain in close communication and to make plans to meet in person in the near future," the US Defense Secretary's spokesperson added.
Later, the spokesperson for the Pentagon's chief revealed that on February 5, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation with the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino.
"They agreed on the strong relationship and many security interests that the US and Panama share, to include safeguarding the Panama Canal," the US Department of Defense stated.
The Pentagon noted that Austin and Mulino also agreed to expand cooperation between the US military and Panama's security forces.
"They also highlighted the extensive and expanding cooperation between the US, including the Department of Defense, and the Panama Canal Authority," said Pentagon spokesperson Ullyot.
The Pentagon added that President Mulino welcomed the upcoming visit of Austin to Panama. It is expected that this trip will foster the development of closer ties between our countries and ensure mutual protection of the canal from external threats.
Issue of the Panama Canal against the backdrop of Trump's statements
Earlier, US President Donald Trump made several statements regarding his intention to regain control over the Panama Canal. He also, among other things, refused to rule out the use of military force for this purpose. Trump claimed there had been violations of agreements and argued that China was allegedly controlling the canal.
Trump's remarks regarding the Panama Canal sparked criticism from Latin American countries in the Americas and some other nations.
Earlier, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino stated that the country manages the canal, which is crucial for global trade, including with the US. Mulino emphasized that the canal is and will remain Panama's.
On February 2, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama. During his meeting with the president, he issued an ultimatum regarding the Panama Canal.
The following day, it was revealed that after Rubio's visit, Panama's president agreed not to continue negotiations with China. This refers to China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the agreement with the PRC may be terminated earlier than initially planned.
