Panama is Reaffirmed as an Ally of the U.S. After Meeting Between Mulino and Rubio

2026-03-08 - 16:17

Panama: The relationship between Panama and the United States once again took center stage on the hemispheric diplomatic agenda during the summit of heads of state held in Miami. In this context, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino held a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated that the administration of President Donald Trump maintains a respectful relationship with Panama and recognizes it as a strategic ally. During the meeting, both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation programs between the two countries, at a time when Washington is promoting new regional initiatives focused on security and democratic stability. Rubio clarified the US administration’s approach to Panama. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino (L) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) “The Donald Trump administration respects the relationship with Panama and considers it an allied country,” he stated. The Secretary of State also indicated that U.S. companies will have a more active presence in the country in upcoming economic processes. “U.S. companies will begin to have greater participation in bidding processes in Panama in this new era of relations with the United States,” he noted. The meeting took place shortly after the signing of the Shield of the Americas regional agreement, an initiative promoted by the United States along with twelve countries of the continent with the purpose of strengthening the defense of democracy in the hemisphere and reinforcing the fight against drug trafficking and criminal organizations. During the signing ceremony, US President Donald Trump above right, also referred to Panama and its historic relationship with the interoceanic canal. “I love the Canal,” he stated, referring to the strategic waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The US president also cordially greeted President Mulino with a handshake during the meeting of heads of state held in Miami, in a sign of diplomatic rapprochement within the framework of the new stage of regional cooperation promoted by Washington and its allies on the continent. Panama: In a context marked by speeches on regional security and cooperation between governments, Panama joined a new multilateral agreement with the United States, which seeks to address some of the continent’s most complex challenges. In this regard, President José Raúl Mulino participated in the signing of the Shield of the Americas agreement during a meeting held in Miami, an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump against drug cartels. Along with the Panamanian president, the agreement was also signed by Javier Milei of Argentina, Santiago Peña of Paraguay, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, Nasry Asfura of Honduras, Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, and Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica, all pictured above. Also participating in the meeting were the president-elect of Chile, José Antonio Kast, and the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke at the event, thanking the countries that decided to join the coalition. “President Trump has made this meeting a priority for his administration. Many US presidents have said they would do it, but he has done it. We are very grateful to the 12 countries that are here today; these are not only allies of the United States, they are friends,” he stated. The pact brings together 12 countries from the continent and proposes a joint strategy to combat drug trafficking, cartels, organized crime, and illegal migration. The initiative also includes action programs focused on strengthening regional security and promoting economic stability. During the signing ceremony, Trump explained the approach his administration seeks to promote with this regional alliance. “Eradicating the cartels,” he stated, referring to one of the agreement’s priorities, while also advocating a “zero tolerance” policy toward gangs and criminal organizations. The US president also made it clear that his government expects strong cooperation among the signatory countries. “It will not tolerate lawlessness in the hemisphere,” he stated, affirming that the participating countries share common goals related to security, prosperity, and strengthening the rule of law. Rubio also emphasized that regional cooperation will be key to addressing shared security and development challenges. “These are countries that always respond when there is a need and work together with us, and there is still much to be done,” he added during the ceremony. In addition to the political leaders present, the meeting included the participation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as well as Kristi Noem both pictured below, designated as coordinator of the alliance’s action plan. Foreign ministers and diplomatic representatives from the signatory countries also attended. The initiative seeks to consolidate a regional cooperation network on security and governance issues, in a context where the countries of the continent face common challenges related to transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and irregular migration flows. With the signing of the agreement, Panama becomes part of this new hemispheric coalition that seeks to strengthen coordination between governments in the face of threats that cross borders and affect the entire region.