The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, participated in the award ceremony and closing of the Panama 2024 Forces Command competition, a test of skills in special operations in urban, rural, jungle and aquatic environments, where teams from 17 countries tested tactics and techniques in procedures, with the purpose of being prepared to face the current and emerging challenges and threats that may affect the continent.

“We reiterate our commitment as a country to contribute to improving cooperation between the participating nations, with the purpose of being prepared to face together the challenges, the threats, current and emerging, that may affect the stability of the region,” said President Cortizo Cohen, who congratulated the winners of this demanding test, as well as all the participants.

The ruler stressed that for Panama it has been a privilege to receive them once again, since it is the second time that the country is host to this competition. “I congratulate you for your effort and I thank you for your willingness to contribute with loyalty and altruism to the peace and security of the brother peoples of our continent,” said the president during the ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of the Instituto Superior Policial Presidente Belisario Porras, located in Gamboa.

Cortizo Cohen indicated that, during demanding days in urban, rural, jungle and aquatic environments, “you have revealed the true spirit of the special forces demonstrating that you are prepared to fulfill the complex missions of the multinational fight against terrorism.”

The activities that were carried out in the different days included skills of dexterity, speed and effectiveness, projecting the multiple capacities and knowledge of the participating teams.

Laura Richardson, head of the Southern Command of the United States, congratulated President Cortizo Cohen for having worked with pride and represented Panama with honor since the Presidency of the Republic of Panama, and also for having led the holding of free and fair elections. “Congratulations on your leadership and services to Panama and the Americas,” Richardson told Cortizo Cohen.

He also recognized the work and collaboration in the fight against crime by the Minister of Public Security, Juan Manuel Pino; the Deputy Minister, Ivor Pittí; the director of the National Border Service, Jorge Govea; and the other heads of the bodies that make up the Public Forces.

After two weeks of competitions, the Mexican team took first place; followed by Colombia, in the second; the United States, third and the special forces of Panama, in fourth place. There were also individual awards for the winners in the physics, assault and high-precision shooter competitions.

For his part, Minister Pino gave a recognition to General Richardson and the three senior officers of the Joint Task Force who participated in the 2024 Command Forces competition (PN- Senafront – Senan).

The award ceremony was also attended by the United States Ambassador to Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte; the Minister of Government, Roger Tejada; the heads of the security agencies of the Public Forces and special guests.