Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to travel to Panama and Florida early next week. He will attend the 2025 Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC) in Panama City, where he plans to engage in bilateral meetings with senior civilian, military, and security leaders from partner nations. These discussions aim to bolster partnerships with Panama and other Central American countries to work towards a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere. Additionally, Hegseth will visit Eglin Air Force Base to meet with service members and command leadership at the 7th Special Forces Group.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated, "The Secretary will meet with partner-nation senior civilian, military, and security leadership in a series of bilateral meetings that will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere."