The United States Embassy issued a clarification regarding the Memorandum of Understanding on security between Panama and the United States, highlighting that it is not a legally binding treaty nor does it authorize the establishment of U.S. military bases on Panamanian territory. It underscores that it is a cooperation agreement between sovereign countries to strengthen security against shared regional threats, fully in accordance with the Panamanian Constitution and existing international treaties.
The document does not permit the automatic permanent or temporary presence of U.S. military personnel and requires prior approval from Panama for any entry. It does not contemplate the establishment of bases, even temporarily, on national territory. In terms of its operational content, the agreement allows joint activities at three existing Panamanian facilities, such as the Panama Pacific International Airport/SENAN, the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Station, and the Cristóbal Colón Aeronaval Station.
These activities include training, exercises, humanitarian assistance, or equipment storage, always under the control of Panamanian authorities and with prior approval from both parties. The Embassy emphasized that the memorandum supports the Ministry of Public Security's Firmness Plan and consolidates the security assistance provided to Panama by the United States in the last five years, amounting to more than 230 million dollars, as a demonstration of the strategic relationship in regional security.
It is emphasized that the alliance is strong and lasting, based on mutual respect and aligned with the United States' relationships with its most reliable allies in the world.
