US, Panama reaffirm 'historic' security relationship

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US and Panama reaffirmed their "historic" security relationship during the first visit by an American defense chief to that country in decades.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vazquez welcomed US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Panama City on Tuesday for talks.

A joint statement said they agreed that both countries must stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" in their mutual commitment to address shared security challenges.

Hegseth "strongly welcomed President Mulino’s commitment to make Panama the first country in our hemisphere to exit the Belt and Road Initiative, and to reduce China’s problematic presence in other areas," it said.

The Pentagon chief told reporters that the US would take back the Panama Canal from "China's influence."

"China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal," he said.

Hegseth congratulated Mulino on Panama’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration, according to the statement.

They also expressed a commitment to strengthen Canal security cooperation.

"In coordination with the Panama Canal Authority and in recognition of the constitutional framework of the Panamanian state, the statutory relationship with the Panama Canal Authority, and the obligations of the Treaty, the expedited transit of warships and auxiliary vessels of the Republic of Panama and the United States is guaranteed," it said.

Additionally, both countries agreed to work on a mechanism to compensate for the payment of tolls and charges.

US President Donald Trump said in February that Panama violated its agreement with the US on the canal and declared that Washington would take back control of the waterway.

Shortly after Trump’s remarks, US State Secretary Marco Rubio visited Panama to meet Mulino, which was followed by Panama’s exit from China’s Belt and Road initiative, drawing criticism from Beijing.