"Minister Hegseth and President Mulino also agreed to expand cooperation between the U.S. armed forces and the security forces of Panama. They also emphasized that cooperation between the United States, including the Department of Defense, and the Panama Canal Authority covers a wide range of areas and continues to evolve," the Pentagon said in a statement.

It is noted that Mulino is looking forward to Hegseth's upcoming visit to Panama, and believes that the trip will help strengthen close ties between the two countries, which, in turn, will ensure joint protection of the channel from external threats.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced the country's intention to regain control of the Panama Canal. Earlier, he expressed concerns that the transfer of the canal to Panama had weakened Washington's position, and Chinese companies had significantly affected its infrastructure in recent years. ria.ru.

Trump stressed that the United States should not lose control of such a strategically important route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.