The United States Embassy in Panama stated that the memorandum of understanding signed last month during Secretary of State Pete Hegseth's visit is not legally binding for the United States. The agreement was established as a measure of cooperation between two sovereign partners to address regional security threats and does not contradict the Treaty of Neutrality.
According to the embassy, this agreement does not imply a legal obligation for the United States and Panama, but rather is an expression of collaboration on regional security issues. Despite the criticisms and controversy surrounding this memorandum, the embassy reiterated that its signing does not imply a legal commitment binding on either party.
In the embassy's words, it is an understanding between two nations that share common interests in security, without implying a modification of pre-existing legal commitments. They clarified that the agreement is not intended to contradict the Treaty of Neutrality nor to impose additional legal obligations on the signing parties.
"As sovereign partners, both the United States and Panama maintain their commitment to security and stability in the region, and this memorandum is a reflection of that mutual collaboration," the embassy stated. Although doubts have been raised about the nature and scope of this agreement, both nations reaffirmed their willingness to continue working together on regional security issues, in line with shared interests and priorities.
