U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Panama for his first foreign trip, marking a significant diplomatic moment as he brings President Donald Trump’s demands to the forefront, especially regarding the Panama Canal. Rubio’s mission, under the banner of Trump’s “America First” policy, also includes discussions on trade relations, migration, and combating drug trafficking.
The Panamanian government, however, has made it clear that there will be no negotiations on the ownership of the Panama Canal. President José Raúl Mulino stated on Thursday that the canal is "not up for negotiation," emphasizing Panama’s control over the waterway.
Trump’s previous statements about retaking control of the canal and complaints over China’s involvement in its operations have created tensions. Mulino clarified that while Panama controls the canal, a Hong Kong consortium manages the ports at both ends.
Rubio’s visit will focus on regional cooperation on shared interests, such as combating illegal migration, transnational criminal organizations, and enhancing economic partnerships.
He will also meet with officials in Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic as part of his six-day tour aimed at strengthening ties and promoting U.S. foreign policy goals in Latin America.
