U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Visit to Panama Strengthens Bilateral Security Relationship
PANAMA CITY (Feb. 4, 2020) – The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs Sergio de la Peña arrived in Panama for a three-day visit to continue strengthening the U.S.-Panama security relationship.
De la Peña’s official trip includes meetings with the Minister of Public Security Rolando Mirones and Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales. He will visit the Panama Canal, including the new Cocoli locks, which is a strategic waterway for global trade and security. During his visit, he will also visit border checkpoints in the Darien, where he will have the opportunity to observe our border security cooperation first hand.
Our cooperation benefits both Panama and the United States by allowing authorities from both countries to address transnational organized crime more effectively while safeguarding citizens from individuals who may threaten regional security.
“The United States and Panama have a strong partnership and share the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Our ability to further deepen cooperation promotes regional stability, enhances interoperability, and ensures we can address the security challenges in the region,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary de la Peña during his visit to Panama.
De la Peña’s visit underscores deepening bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Panama and the United States, as well as our shared desire to promote regional stability and security in the Western Hemisphere.
Sergio de la Peña’s biography.
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