On April 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Public Security of the Republic of Panama and the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The document establishes a framework for cooperative security activities in Panama and formalizes mutual understandings related to the presence and operations of U.S. personnel and contractors in specific Panamanian installations. The memorandum enters into effect on the date of the last signature and is valid for an initial period of three years, renewable for additional three-year terms. Either party may terminate the agreement by written notice with six months’ advance notice.
On April 10, 2025, Panamanian Public Security Minister Frank Alexis Abrego reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal, clarifying that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States does not involve ceding control or establishing foreign military bases. Addressing public concerns following the bilateral agreement, Abrego stressed that all terms of cooperation were fully disclosed and consistent with the Panamanian Constitution and the 1977 Treaty of Neutrality. He emphasized that the accord respects Panama’s legal frameworks and does not allow the construction of permanent U.S. military installations.
The MOU, signed in Panama City by Minister Abrego and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, allows the U.S. to use Panamanian-controlled facilities such as Rodman Naval Station, Howard Air Force Base, and the Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base for training, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises. These deployments are rotational, and Panama retains full administrative authority over the sites. The agreement permits U.S. military personnel and contractors to operate in designated areas under Panamanian oversight, while both nations continue joint operations aimed at enhancing regional stability.