For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela to discuss bilateral collaboration on immigration and border security, and potential areas for regional engagement on these issues.
Secretary Johnson and President Varela discussed opportunities for continued cooperation to enhance border security while facilitating lawful trade and travel. The United States and Panama work closely together to screen travelers and cargo entering the region through Panamanian ports of entry, and to interdict high risk passengers and contraband.
Secretary Johnson and President Varela discussed the importance of bringing in regional partners to collaboratively address illicit migration flows through the Western Hemisphere. They also highlighted the history of broad and robust cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security and the Government of Panama on joint economic and security priorities including air, land, and maritime border security; information sharing; trade and travel facilitation; and combating transnational crime and terrorism. Secretary Johnson underscored his commitment to strengthening and expanding that partnership.
Secretary Johnson and President Varela meet to discuss bilateral collaboration on immigration and border security. (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
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