Panama City, 7 September 2022 (TDI): The Embassy of the United States (US) welcomed the officials from the US, including officers of the American Navy to Panama.
The officials from the US included the Defense Secretary of the Navy; Carlos Del Toro and other senior serving officials of the US Navy.
#EstamosUnidos Damos la bienvenida al secretario general de @USNavy, @SECNAV Carlos del Toro, quien visita Panamá para conversar con el presidente @NitoCortizo y reunirse con autoridades y dirigentes de los estamentos de seguridad panameños. pic.twitter.com/u3WAmWMFKC
— U.S. Embassy Panama (@USEmbPAN) September 6, 2022
The purpose of this official visit was to hold bilateral talks with the President of Panama, Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo Cohen.
Other important political and administrative leaders of Panama will also be met by US officials. Both sides discussed the aspects of mutual interest with a special focus on the security sector.
#EstamosUnidos El secretario general de @USNavy, Carlos del Toro, se reunió con el presidente @NitoCortizo para estrechar nuestros lazos de amistad y cooperación en temas de seguridad regional. pic.twitter.com/5LP4SiHZ9j
— U.S. Embassy Panama (@USEmbPAN) September 6, 2022
Both parties made a special focus on bilateral cooperation in regional security in the Western Hemisphere region.
The factors of science, technology, and humanitarian support on a collective basis also came under discussion between the two.
Me reuní con Carlos Del Toro, Secretario de la Marina de Estados Unidos, para analizar temas de interés regional, cooperación bilateral entre nuestros países, y el rol de Panamá en materia de seguridad para el hemisferio; también, sobre apoyo humanitario, ciencia y tecnología. pic.twitter.com/VDN7o1YRdU
— Nito Cortizo (@NitoCortizo) September 6, 202S
Secretary meets US servicemen
The US Secretary of Navy, Del Toro had an interaction with the servicemen and officers of the United States Navy and the United States Marines. He thanked them for the service of the nation in the American Embassy.
I love meeting #Marines and #Sailors serving overseas! Today I personally thanked the Marine Security Guard detachment in Panama for their dedicated service in support of @USEmbPAN. #SemperFi pic.twitter.com/1mL3BdyJ83
— Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (@SECNAV) September 6, 2022
Also Read: Japan and US conduct bilateral defense exercise
Bilateral Maritime Cooperation
The Secretary of the Navy of the United States assured Panama’s President Cortizo about cooperation in the meeting.
He also discussed the cooperation in the sector of maritime trade and security. The Secretary stressed that the maritime sector remains important for both sides.
I had a great meeting with President @NitoCortizo of Panama today where we discussed our incredibly important bilateral maritime relationship. #Gracias por su amable hospitalidad! 🇵🇦 🇺🇸 https://t.co/G1yX1yfm8o pic.twitter.com/XeKMxuOtlG
— Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (@SECNAV) September 6, 2022
The relations of both sides remained extensive in the sector of maritime affairs. The important Panama Canal is considered important for the trade and economic security of the maritime affairs of both sides.
Panama Canal remained the bone of contention for the two states in past, but also a source of cooperation. The maritime security cooperation between the two sides stays important because both states had jointly taken action against drug trafficking over the sea.
