On February 5, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino discussed strengthening cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama's security forces, according to the Pentagon. The discussions aimed to address recent tensions related to the Panama Canal.
A Pentagon spokesperson stated, Both parties acknowledged the robust relationship and shared security interests between the United States and Panama, particularly in safeguarding the Panama Canal.
Following discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in the week, Mulino announced that Panama's participation in China's Belt and Road initiative would not be extended and might even be ended prematurely.