Rubio congratulates Panama on 123rd independence anniversary
The statement pledges continued support for earthquake recovery and deeper security and trade ties with Panama in the year ahead.
The United States congratulated Panama on Tuesday on the 123rd anniversary of its independence, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would keep supporting Panama as the country recovers from a recent earthquake.
Rubio said the United States sent humanitarian, logistical and technical assistance to Panama within 24 hours of the disaster.
Rubio said the two countries made significant progress in their relationship this year.
Panama joined the Shield of the Americas, the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and Pax Silica, he said.
The two countries also held PANAMAX, the first large-scale live exercise in 14 years, to show their commitment to the security of the Panama Canal, Rubio said.
In the year ahead, the United States will deepen its security partnership with Panama and pursue new trade and investment opportunities, Rubio said.
Rubio said Panama is making major investments in the canal and is seeking investment in technology, cybersecurity, other critical infrastructure, health and education.
Rubio closed the statement by wishing the people of Panama a joyous celebration.
Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903, and the United States has long been a central partner in the canal's history, which Panama took full control of in 1999.
The canal is a major route for global shipping, so its security and capacity matter well beyond Panama's borders.