Newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make his first international trip to Panama, potentially as early as next week, prioritizing the region as a key focus of U.S. foreign policy.

Axar.az, citing Fox News, reports that the visit follows President Donald Trump's inauguration and renewed calls to reclaim the Panama Canal, which Trump claims is controlled by China.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino dismissed these statements as false, asserting the canal's sovereignty remains with Panama since the U.S. handed over control in 1999 under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.
Rubio's trip, which may also include Guatemala and El Salvador, aims to address migration, regional economic growth, and supply chains. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the importance of engaging with neighboring countries to strengthen America’s prosperity and security.