Panama Says US Troops Are Just A Brief Visitor
During a quick chat with Euronews, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez‑Acha got a clear message: the U.S. troops coming in for their drills are nothing more than a temporary stop‑over. He made it crystal‑clear that no American forces will set up permanent bases here.
The Main Takeaway
- Short‑term Only: The military exercises are for “a few days” – no long‑term residency.
- “No Permanent Footprint”: The U.S. isn’t planning to leave a permanent army camp in Panama.
- Peace‑Keeping Approach: The presence is purely for training, not for establishing a new foreign power base.
Why This Matters
Panama’s leadership is just reminding the world that they keep a tight handle on who’s on their soil. Despite the U.S. pulling out, it’s not a sign of a falling partnership – just a routine drill that’s been scheduled and then wrapped up.
Final Thought
So, if you’re standing in Panama and feel a sudden buzz of military activity: don’t worry, it’s a short‑lived event, and the country’s entry‑level security team is keeping everything under control. No permanent American flag is waving from the Panama flag, just a quick, friendly visit that’s done its job and moved on.
Panama and the U.S. Tighten the Grip on the Canal – Military Style
In a plot that feels straight out of an international thriller, the U.S. has slipped in a memorandum that lets it bring its aviation squad into Panama’s waters for joint drills. The goal? Get ready for any chaos that might threaten the slick waterway that’s the heart of global trade.
Helicopters Drop In
Just Sunday, three U.S. helicopters landed on Panamanian soil. They’re not there to film a movie; they’re training for a possible “protect‑the‑canal” scenario that could pop up at any moment.
Panama Rules the Coast
Panama is pretty firm: “No permanent foreign troops will ever set foot on our land. This is a short‑term thing and it’s all about keeping our sovereignty intact,” Foreign Minister Javier Martínez‑Acha told Euronews.
He added, “We’ve never had any foreign soldiers on the ground. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) we signed with Washington—and other Latin American pals—is simply a tool for joint exercises. We’re getting ready for asymmetric threats and tackling organized crime, drug trafficking, and the like. These are the kinds of adversaries that keep us on our toes.”
From Tension to Teamwork
Things got a bit rocky after President Trump announced that Panama was handing over key infrastructure to China. That claim sparked a diplomatic spat. Yet, Martínez‑Acha says the tension has loosened and everyone’s back on the same page.
“We all get that the U.S. and Panama have a special bond. It’s not always smooth sailing, but right now we’re cooperating like a well‑tuned orchestra. That’s all while honoring Panama’s autonomy and sovereignty,” he emphasized.
Why It Matters
Every year, roughly 6% of global maritime trade zooms through the Panama Canal. The harmony—or the lack of it—between the two countries isn’t just a local issue; it’s a game‑changer for international commerce.
More cooperation on tax matters
Panama’s Big “Who Is a Tax Haven?” Debacle: A Casual Talk with Martínez‑Acha
On a breezy Monday, Martínez‑Acha strutted into Brussels to attend the EU‑Central America Association Council. The agenda? One of the most fiery topics in the last decade: Panama’s spot on the “non‑cooperative” tax list.
Panama’s “We’re Not a Tax Haven” Pitch
- He shrugged off the label and said, “We’re responsible. We’re all about transparency and tax cooperation.”
- Yet he nodded that there’s still work to do, promising tax‑reform tweaks to sharpen the country’s compliance.
EU’s Decision: The Blacklist Moves, The List Stays
- Following a European Parliament vote, Panama was zapped from the Illicit Money Flow blacklist.
- A lingering spot: The tax‑cooperation list still lists Panama alongside Russia and Trinidad and Tobago.
What’s Next for Panama?
Martínez‑Acha laid out the roadmap: Eliminate shady tax regimes that let offshore bees buzz around without real business. He stressed that if a multinational has true economic roots in Panama—or if its foreign profits come back into the country—they must be taxed. If those funds flop elsewhere, the tax gun stays ajar.
Why Panama Matters to Europe
- It’s a strategic economic hub.
- It helps keep tabs on sanctions violations for nations like Russia.
In short, Martinez‑Acha’s Brussels stop is a fresh push for Panama to polish its tax image while still negotiating that fine line between openness and regulation. The next chapter? A tougher, yet more balanced, tax regime that keeps the country out of the “blacklist” debate while staying cozy with European partners.