The United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera , reiterated that his country is excited that Panama Ports Company (PPC) , a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, will no longer be operating the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, both entrances to the Canal.

Cabrera reiterated that these operators were “no good” and that they were companies of the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China .

“We are excited that those ports will soon be out of operation” and that “good” operators willing to contribute to the Panamanian people will come to the country.

Regarding the trade promotion agreement (TPA) between Panama and the United States, Cabrera revealed that the review committee meetings will begin in October.

In addition, tariff-related issues could be discussed.

The diplomat offered his statements after learning that the Supreme Court had admitted two lawsuits, one for nullity and the other for unconstitutionality, filed by the Comptroller General of the Republic, Anel Flores, against the legal contract between PPC and the Panamanian government.

Regarding migration in the country, Cabrera said that not only irregular migrants crossed through the Darien jungle, but also weapons and drugs.

However, Panama and the United States must continue working to ensure that the border zone in Darien province remains closed to irregular migration, he said.

Furthermore, security at ports and airports must be strengthened to prevent drug trafficking. “We know that the bad guys” will adjust the mechanisms for transporting narcotics.

Cabrera recalled that during their transit through the border area, migrants were robbed and sexually abused.

In outlining this scenario, he recalled that the border area was closed thanks to the leadership of Presidents José Raúl Mulino and Donald Trump.

The diplomat told Telemetro Reporta that from 2022 until the border between Panama and Colombia was “closed,” more than one million irregular migrants crossed it.

Cabrera recalled that Panama has been his country’s partner for four consecutive years, which has led to the seizure of more than 100 tons of drugs.

The diplomat’s statements were released one day after National Police officers, in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office, seized 1,400 kilos of suspected drugs on Monday, August 4.

For Cabrera, these drug seizures make Panamanian and American communities safer. “We seek to make our communities and our borders safer,” he said.