Panama City, Panama – In a momentous gathering at the U.S. Embassy in Panama, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his first official visit to the country, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Panama relations. Greeted by an enthusiastic audience of embassy staff, locally engaged employees, and their families, the Secretary’s arrival was met with energy and anticipation.
Kicking off the event, Mr. Barrett welcomed Secretary Rubio, acknowledging the strength of the U.S.-Panama partnership. He highlighted the resilience of the relationship, stating, “Like any tight relationship, it comes back together again, and it’s shining now.” He praised the dedication of embassy staff, describing them as the best team of U.S. direct hires and locally engaged personnel on the planet.
Barrett also underscored the tangible results of their joint efforts, particularly in curbing irregular migration through the Darién Gap. “Last week, we had a day with just two migrants crossing, compared to over 2,000 daily last year,” he noted, emphasizing the impact of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Panama. Additionally, he applauded Panama’s role in regional security, including record-breaking narcotics seizures and economic partnerships, such as U.S. LNG imports through AES.
A Warm Welcome from Secretary Rubio
Secretary Rubio took the stage with his signature humor and charisma, jokingly asking the audience, “Are you guys mad that they made you come on a Sunday? Be honest!” He went on to engage with young attendees, playfully encouraging future leaders. “There might be a future secretary of state, maybe even a future president sitting here in the front row,” he remarked, rallying support for a young audience member, Teo, as a potential future leader.
In his remarks, Rubio expressed his deep appreciation for the U.S. diplomatic corps. “We have the greatest diplomatic corps in the history of the world,” he said, comparing its effectiveness to historical empires. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy in advancing both U.S. and global interests, stating, “The safer and more prosperous other countries are, the safer and more prosperous we become.”
Acknowledging the historical ups and downs in U.S.-Panama relations, Rubio highlighted the present-day strength of the economic partnership. He noted the strategic significance of Panama, not just as a key trade hub but as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.
“I wanted my first visit to be somewhere warm, Spanish-speaking, and where we have a great team,” he quipped. “So here we are in Panama!”
Honoring Decades of Service
A particularly heartfelt moment came when Rubio recognized the longstanding commitment of locally employed staff. In a touching tribute, he called out Mabel Camarena, who has dedicated an astounding 56 years to the U.S. Embassy. “I’m only 53 years old!” he joked, marveling at her tenure. He also honored Mirtha for her 53 years of service and Gilberto for his 43 years, highlighting the deep-rooted relationships that have shaped the embassy’s legacy.
“Think about that. Fifty-six years. A lot has happened in those years, and it speaks volumes about the strength of this partnership,” Rubio stated.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting concluded, Secretary Rubio reiterated the administration’s commitment to making embassy operations safe and productive. He emphasized the importance of ground-level input, stating, “We care a lot about the information we get from the ground, not just through cables but through the direct input of our employees.”
Rubio’s visit to Panama reinforced the strong U.S.-Panama alliance, underscoring shared goals in security, trade, and diplomacy. His engagement with embassy personnel and acknowledgment of their dedication showcased a hands-on approach to leadership—one that places emphasis on collaboration and long-term relationships.
The Secretary’s trip was not just a diplomatic visit; it was a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, setting the stage for continued cooperation in the years ahead.
