US Embassy in Panama –
United States Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson, commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Panama from October 17-18, where she led the U.S. delegation that participated in the 6th meeting of the High Level Security Dialogue (HLSD) with Panama.
During the HLSD, delegations from both nations discussed issues such as irregular migration, importance of the asset forfeiture law, prevention of money laundering and illegal fishing; as well as the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. The four pillars of the bilateral security dialogue were border security, citizen security, maritime security and cybersecurity.
Richardson also met with Panamanian president Laurentino Cortizo at a ceremony on Oct. 17 at which the U.S. delivered a King Air 250 maritime patrol aircraft to Panama.
The aircraft will strengthen the capacity of the Panamanian security forces in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal fishing, in search and rescue missions, and disaster response. It was acquired for $12 million through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program.