US and Panama sign agreement for free passage of warships

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the US and Panama have signed a framework agreement allowing American warships to pass through the Panama Canal with priority and free of charge.

During a press conference evaluating his visit to Panama, Hegseth stated that the two countries are cooperating on border security, combating illegal immigration, fighting drug cartels, and ensuring the security of the Panama Canal, particularly in limiting China’s influence.

Hegseth said, “The US and Panama have signed a memorandum of understanding on common security issues. Following this press conference, we will sign a joint declaration with the Canal Minister on the security and operation of the Panama Canal. This document will form the basis for the free and priority passage of American warships and support vessels through the Panama Canal.”

The Secretary of Defense emphasized that the agreement envisages increasing the number of joint exercises and re-establishing rotational and joint military presence at Fort Sherman, Rodman Naval Base, and Howard Air Force Base.

Additionally, the “Jungle Operations Training Center” at Fort Sherman, which operated from 1953-1999 and prepared soldiers to fight in tropical forests, will be reopened.

Hegseth added, “Our expanded security cooperation will also strengthen engagement in cybersecurity, information sharing, bilateral security dialogues, and the modernization of canal infrastructure.”

Last month, NBC News, citing American officials, reported that the White House had instructed the American military to prepare options regarding the Panama Canal.

Possible plans ranged from closer cooperation with the Panamanian army to the occupation of the canal.

In 1977, US President Jimmy Carter signed an agreement stipulating that control of the canal would be transferred to the Panamanian government in 2000.

The canal was controlled by the US until December 31, 1999. Trump argues that the transfer of the canal to Panama weakened Washington’s position and that Chinese companies have significantly increased their influence over the canal’s infrastructure in recent years.

In early February, he stated that he was confident about regaining control of the canal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Washington finds it unfair to collect transit fees from the Panama Canal, which US military forces are obliged to defend in the event of a conflict.

In his address to Congress in March, Trump announced that his administration had begun the process of reclaiming the canal.

He stated that a major American company plans to buy two ports around the canal and some other facilities connected to the canal.

According to Trump, the Panama Canal was “built by Americans for Americans, not for others.”