United States, Panama sign security agreement

Security officials from the United States and Panama struck an agreement this week that would improve collaboration between the two countries in battling security threats.

The Security Cooperation agreement will strengthen cybersecurity cooperation and policy planning, enhance customs processes and efficiencies to facilitate trade better, support border security and law enforcement efforts to combat transnational crime and impede irregular migration flows, and foster a collaborative regional approach to migration management.

“Today marks a big step forward in confronting the significant security challenges across Central America together with our partners in Panama,” Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf Secretary said. “As a natural geographic chokepoint for migrants coming north from South America, Panama is strategically important to address the migration crisis that has been affecting nearly the entire hemisphere. With this Letter of Intent, the United States and Panama are expanding our cooperation to confront transnational criminal organizations and improve border security by increasing our collaboration across a multitude of fronts.”

Wolf signed the letter of intent, as did Panamanian Minister of Public Security Rolando Mirones.

Panama is an important U.S. partner in the fight against transnational organized crime, counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and border security challenges. This agreement will seek to diminish the criminal organizations operating in the region.

“Today’s event marks the 13th document signed between DHS and its Central American partners since June to address illegal migration, enhance border security, combat transnational criminal organizations, and increase economic development in the region,” Wolf added. “With our partners, we are developing a safer and more prosperous Central America so citizens can feel confident in creating futures in their home countries, rather than using smugglers to make the dangerous journey north.”