During his confirmation hearing this month, Rubio reiterated concerns regarding the governance of the canal. He mentioned that there is a possibility that the terms of the canal’s ownership have been breached, raising questions about the potential national security implications. Rubio highlighted that while the formal sovereignty of the canal remains with Panama, the control and operation could be influenced by foreign entities, posing a direct threat to US interests. Despite this issue, Rubio acknowledged Panama as a valuable ally on various fronts and expressed hope for an amicable resolution. He emphasized the importance of addressing canal security while also nurturing cooperation on mutual challenges such as migration. Immigration stands out as a key topic that will feature prominently in his upcoming engagements. A leaked internal memo from Rubio’s office reveals a commitment to prioritizing border security, curbing unlawful migration, and facilitating the return of undocumented immigrants. Rubio underscored the urgency of tackling mass migration as one of the pivotal issues of contemporary times, emphasizing the need to bring an end to this phenomenon.
