Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Panama, during which significant agreements were reached, according to Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's Chief Spokesman. The visit strengthened the US-Panama military alliance with efforts to enhance joint military training centers and security cooperation.
Sean Parnell stated, "Our nations have agreed to reestablish and enhance joint US-Panama military training centers and security force cooperation." Additionally, the visit secured "First and Free" canal passage rights for US military vessels. This agreement complies with the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal.
Parnell emphasized the importance of collaboration, adding, "Together, the United States and Panama stand shoulder-to-shoulder in our mutual commitment to address shared security challenges and to deter the Chinese Communist Party." The visit marked efforts to counter what the statement described as "malign Chinese influence," aiming to protect American interests.
The Pentagon looks forward to continued cooperation with Panama, in hopes of reinforcing regional security and partnership.
