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The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, offered his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, the possibility of using a Panamanian airport as a strategic point to facilitate the repatriation of migrants to their countries of origin.
According to information from the National Agency of Panama, Mulino, who met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this Sunday, agreed to facilitate the use of the Metetí airport in Darién to allow an orderly flow of irregular migrants being transferred from the United States.
According to Reuters, the Panamanian president offered to welcome immigrants from the United States from countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
Mulino explained that this agreement does not signify the presence of U.S. military forces in Panama and reminded that there would be officials related to border control.
The Panamanian president announced that the costs of these operations will be covered by the United States, and that this Monday a repatriation operation for Colombian immigrants will take place, in which Secretary of State Rubio will be present, taking advantage of his visit to the country.
Despite the proposal from the Panamanian side, some political issues make the use of this airport somewhat unfeasible.
According to the portal Panamá América, the majority of migrants are from Venezuela, a country with which Panama has no diplomatic relations, making deportations to that territory impossible.
Regarding the meeting with Marco Rubio, Mulino described it as "respectful" and "positive", and stated that he did not perceive a real threat to the validity of the Panama Canal treaty, one of the main points of the U.S. official's visit to the nation.
Additionally, he acknowledged that China's influence in the region is a concern for Washington and mentioned that Panama will not renew its agreement with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Panama is the first stop on a tour that will take the United States Secretary of State through Central America and the Caribbean, visiting, in addition, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.
Metetí Airport
The San Vicente Aerodrome, located in the community of San Vicente, in the Metetí district of Darién province, Panama, is a key infrastructure in this region.
Inaugurated in June 2009, the airstrip features a runway that is 1,000 meters long and 15 meters wide, making it the largest in the province.
The investment for its construction was approximately 2.1 million dollars.
The primary objective of this airstrip is to enhance connectivity in Darién with the rest of the country, facilitating trade, tourism, and security in an area that has historically been isolated due to its geography and dense jungles.
Furthermore, its strategic location in Metetí, one of the most developed areas of Darién, makes it a vital access point for logistical and transportation operations in the region.
The province of Darién is known for the dangerous journey of migrants through the jungle of the same name, a border crossing between Colombia and Panama.
Migrants, coming from various nationalities, face multiple dangers, including natural and criminal threats.
The journey, partly controlled by mafias and paramilitary groups, involves high costs and multiple natural and human dangers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Use of Panama Airport for Deportations
Why is Panama offering its airport for the deportation of migrants?
The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, offered the use of the Metetí airport to facilitate the repatriation of migrants from the United States as part of an agreement to manage the migration flow in an orderly manner. The United States will cover the costs of these operations.
What nationalities of migrants will be deported from Panama?
Panama has agreed to receive migrants from various nationalities such as Colombians, Venezuelans, and Ecuadorians for their repatriation. However, the deportations of Venezuelans are complicated due to the lack of diplomatic relations between Panama and Venezuela.
Will there be a military presence from the United States in Panama due to this agreement?
The president Mulino clarified that there will be no U.S. military presence in Panama as a result of this agreement. Only officials related to border control will be present.
How does this agreement impact the relationship between the United States and Panama?
The agreement to use a Panamanian airport for deportations aims to strengthen cooperation on migration issues. However, tensions persist due to Trump's statements regarding the Panama Canal and China's influence in the region.
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