The United States and Panama held historic special operations forces talks on February 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their decades-long bilateral partnership. The talks were part of concurrent joint combined exchange training exercises that underscore the global impact of U.S. special operations forces.
Since 2020, the U.S. Special Operations Command South (Socsouth) has maintained a continuous presence in Panama, enabling daily collaboration with Panamanian partners. This enduring partnership is crucial for regional stability and reflects the shared commitment to a secure future, said Navy Rear Adm. Mark A. Schafer, Socsouth commander.
The talks aimed to address complex challenges such as countering transnational threats, combating illicit trafficking, and responding to natural disasters with agility and resilience. The dialogue represented a shared commitment to innovative solutions, open communication, and curiosity, according to Schafer.
Socsouth has been instrumental in strengthening Panamanian security since the early 1990s, said Army Maj. Trevor Wild, Socsouth public affairs officer. The partnership is built on shared values, a commitment to regional security, and recognition of strong military-to-military relationships as essential for achieving shared security goals.
Key aspects of the U.S.-Panama security relationship include:
* Joint training exercises, such as Panamax-Alpha, which focus on Panama Canal security and interoperability
* Socsouth’s role in training Panama’s National Border Service in counter-narcotics operations since 2008
* The recent Fuerzas Comando 2024 exercise, hosted by Panama, which brought together military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel from various nations
The talks culminated in a memorandum of agreement formalizing the ongoing commitment to shared security objectives. A framework for long-term collaborative training with U.S. Special Operations Forces was also established, reinforcing the vital role of partnerships in building partner capacity and enhancing interoperability.
The partnership between the US and Panama serves as a model for regional stability and demonstrates the enduring strength of their security relationship, built on trust, cooperation, and shared values.
Source: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4146907/us-special-ops-conduct-combined-training-with-panama-formalize-commitment