The Government of Panama announced that between January 12 and February 26, a new joint training program between Panamanian forces and United States military personnel will be conducted in the country. This initiative is part of bilateral cooperation on security, and, as authorities emphasized, with 'strict respect for national sovereignty'. According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security, the exercises will involve 50 US Marines and 61 specialized units from the National Aeronaval Service (Senan), the National Police, and the National Border Service (Senafront). The Marine contingent will remain in Panamanian territory for the duration of the program, which will take place at the Jungle School of Admiral Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base and at the facilities of the Marine Infantry of Captain of Frigate Noel Antonio Rodríguez Justavino Naval Base. Authorities explained that the training is part of the 'historic bilateral cooperation' between Panama and the United States and aims to strengthen the technical, tactical, and operational capabilities of Panama's state security agencies. 'The program is aimed at improving interoperability, professional readiness, and the ability to respond to different operational scenarios,' the ministry specified, while highlighting that these actions, along with exercises like PANAMAX, contribute to strengthening national security, the protection of the Panama Canal, and the country's strategic interests. The Government made special emphasis that all activities will be carried out with full respect for Panamanian sovereignty, a sensitive point for public opinion due to the long history of US military presence in the former Canal Zone for much of the 20th century. The announcement comes in a context marked by recent diplomatic tensions, following statements from US President Donald Trump at the start of his second term, in which he hinted at the possibility of 'reclaiming' the Canal due to alleged Chinese influence. However, these frictions have dissipated in recent months after commitments assumed by the Panamanian Government and a rapprochement between the two administrations. Last week, President José Raúl Mulino recalled that Panama and the United States currently maintain a relationship of 'respect' and cooperation on strategic issues, especially in matters of security.
