The president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen received congressmen Salud Carbajal and Hillary Scholten, and the commander of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan with whom he addressed issues of drug trafficking, illegal fishing, strengthening cooperation in maritime security and treatment of irregular migration.

The head of the Executive stressed that the United States is a key ally in the prevention and fight against organized crime to face the challenge of drug trafficking and irregular migration in the region.

“We are concerned about the increase in people who put their lives at risk by crossing Darién National Park. We need a lot of help to deal with this situation.” In this sense, he added that “Colombia is not giving us the help we need.”

More than 300,000 irregular migrants have entered Darién National Park so far in 2023, surpassing the historical income of 2021 (133,726) and 2022 (248,284). The daily income of people through the Darién averages between 2,500 and 3,000.

On the other hand, Cortizo Cohen highlighted that Panama registers a record drug seizure of 466.4 tons.

The Democratic congressmen thanked the hospitality and good availability of the Panamanian authorities to articulate efforts to strengthen the historic relationship between Panama and the United States.

Among those attending the meeting were Mari Carmen Aponte, United States ambassador to Panama; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo; the Minister of Security, Juan Manuel Pino and the Chief of Staff, Saleh Asvat.