Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:
On February 5, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a call with Panamanian President José Raul Mulino. They agreed on the strong relationship and many security interests that the United States and Panama share, to include safeguarding the Panama Canal. Secretary Hegseth and President Mulino also agreed to expand cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama's security forces. They also highlighted the extensive and expanding cooperation between the United States, including the Department of Defense, and the Panama Canal Authority. President Mulino welcomed a future visit by Secretary Hegseth to Panama that will serve to advance our countries' close ties and ensure our joint defense of the Canal against external threats.