President Donald Trump met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela at the White House on Monday to discuss the U.S.-Panama economic relationship.
They are also expected to discuss the fight against transnational organized crime, illegal migration, and drugs.
The political and economic crisis in Venezuela is also expected to be a major topic of discussion.
“It’s our great honor to have president and Mrs. Varela from Panama. We have many things to discuss. We’re going to spend quite a bit of time today,” said Trump.
“Things are going well in Panama. The relationship is very strong. We are developing new things to do and only getting stronger,” he added.
Trump said the relationship with President Varela is “very, very good.”
“I just want to thank you very much, and it is an honor to have you at the White House.”
Varela thanked Trump for the reception, saying it was an honor to be there.
“There’s a long friendship between Panama the United States, and we face the same challenges in the region,” said Varela.
He said the visit was meant to help the two countries work closely together to address those challenges.
“I’m looking forward to this meeting and then meeting with the other directors of the [U.S.] agencies to establish, to work together very closely with, the President Trump administration for the future of the region.”
