The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2020

44 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL their way to Colombia, before crossing the Darien jungle on foot with the hope of eventually reaching the United States. Then–Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McA- leenan visited Panama to discuss the matter, but President Cortizo did not meet with him. Mr. McAleenan met instead with Foreign Minister Ferrer. Panama didn’t immediately agree to the request; there is strong public opposition in Panama, and it is doubtful that Panama’s position on this will change. In the short term, Panama’s refusal to build internment camps will continue to negatively affect the bilateral relation- ship. But given the long-standing friendship between the two allies and the large number of important issues on which the countries agree, I believe the future of the relationship will remain solid. The fact that practically all of Panama’s business and politi- cal leaders have been educated in the United States, combined with the geographical proximity of the two countries and the wide use of English in Panama, is the basis for building an even stronger relationship in the future. However, for that to hap- pen, it is up to us as Panamanians to strengthen the rule of law and separation of powers, and reduce the rampant corruption that has been a scourge throughout our history. Accomplish- ing these goals will put us in a much better position to address and rectify many of the issues where this is common ground for further improvements, and the bilateral relationship should become even stronger. n In the short term, Panama’s refusal to build internment camps will continue to negatively affect the bilateral relationship.