Un canje de notas que le abrió las puertas al MoU | La Prensa Panamá

Key Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The article focuses on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 9, 2025, between the US Secretary of Defense and Panama's Minister of Public Security. This MoU references a crucial 2022 note exchange that underpins several key aspects of the agreement.

The 2022 Note Exchange

The 2022 note exchange, signed between September 15th and 20th, 2022, by mid-level officials from both governments, granted immunities to US military personnel and contractors. It also addressed issues like vehicle permits, wearing uniforms and carrying weapons, and the cost of services for US military vessels and aircraft in Panama, with exceptions for the Panama Canal.

Key points of the note exchange include:

• Immunities: The agreement granted immunity to US military personnel and contractors.
• Vehicle and Uniform Permissions: US personnel were permitted to use US driving licenses and wear US military uniforms and carry weapons.
• Service Costs: Most services for US military vessels and aircraft were to be free, except for Panama Canal transit fees.
• Future Agreements: The agreement allowed for additional specific arrangements between the US Department of Defense and Panama's Ministry of Public Security.

The 2022 note exchange, accepted by Panama on September 20, 2022, paved the way for the April 2025 MoU.

Significance

The article highlights the significance of understanding the 2022 note exchange to fully grasp the implications of the more recent MoU. It shows an attempt by the US to re-establish some military presence in Panama, although details of the full extent remain unclear. The article emphasizes the importance of the 2022 agreement in shaping the current US-Panama military relations.