Marco Rubio heading to Panama for first trip as secretary of state

Newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio is gearing up for his first international trip as the nation’s top diplomat, with plans to travel to Panama, as reported by Fox News. While the details of the trip are still being finalized, it is expected to take place as early as next week.

President Donald Trump has been vocal about his desire to reclaim the Panama Canal, a sentiment he reiterated during his inaugural address on Monday. Trump claimed that China currently controls the canal and vowed to take it back. However, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino swiftly rejected Trump’s claims, stating that the Panama Canal rightfully belongs to Panama and will remain under their control.

The Panama Canal was constructed by the U.S. in the early 1900s under President Theodore Roosevelt to facilitate the passage of commercial and military vessels between the country’s coasts. Control of the canal was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, as part of a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

Rubio’s upcoming trip to Panama was first reported by Politico and may also include visits to other Central American countries such as Guatemala and El Salvador. The primary focus of the trip is expected to be on addressing the issue of mass migration, a top priority outlined by Rubio earlier in the week.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the importance of prioritizing engagement with neighboring countries, stating that it is crucial for addressing migration, supply chains, and economic growth. She highlighted Rubio’s commitment to a foreign policy that aims to strengthen America’s position on the global stage.

As Rubio prepares for his first international trip as Secretary of State, the focus remains on fostering strong relationships with countries in the region and advancing key foreign policy objectives. The trip holds significance in the context of ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the administration’s strategic priorities.

The article was rewritten by Bradford Betz, a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and more. The information was sourced from Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw and The Associated Press.