Panama City- Panama and the United States signed an agreement that will allow the temporal and rotary establishment of US troops in access areas and adjacent to the Panama Canal.
The measure, released this Thursday by the Panamanian authorities, does not contemplate the creation of permanent bases, but the shared use of Panamanian facilities for training and cooperation purposes.
Military and contractors of the United States “may use authorized locations, facilities and areas designated to provide training, perform humanitarian activities (…) exercises,” according to the agreement signed by the head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, and Panama Security Minister Frank Ábrego.
“Bilateral Agreement”
The bilateral agreement establishes an initial validity of three years, extendable, and guarantees that all facilities will continue to be the property of the Panamanian State. Its use will be joint, for the benefit of the security forces of both countries.
During his visit to Panama, Hegesh stressed the importance of this strategic alliance and described defense exercises as an opportunity to revitalize collaboration in key areas of the continent.
The American president questions the high tolls paid by the ships of the Navy on the channel, qualifying them as “onerous”, and expressed his intention to review the current agreements.
According to Trump, guaranteeing a dissuasive presence around this strategic route is part of the commitment to protect US interests and ensure regional stability.
