For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly met today with President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama to reaffirm the strong relationship between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Panama on migration, law enforcement, and air, land, and maritime border security priorities.
Secretary Kelly highlighted during the meeting that the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America provides the framework for our engagement not just with the Northern Triangle countries, but for all of Central America. He also expressed appreciation for Panama’s leadership as a regional partner and an effective and enthusiastic counterpart in efforts to interdict narcotics and combat transnational criminal organizations.
Secretary Kelly congratulated President Varela on his efforts to reform and professionalize the Panamanian security services, to include the roughly 6,000 officers engaged in counter narcotics operations, and offered to provide training and other general support to Panama’s law enforcement agencies.
(DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released) View Original Secretary Kelly Meets with Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela (photo by Jetta Disco) Law Enforcement Partnerships,Maritime,
