Marco Rubio heads to Panama for first official state visit

Marco Rubio, who was sworn in as Secretary of State late Monday, will be traveling to Panama for his first international trip in the role. While details of the trip are still being finalized, the visit to the Central American nation could come as early as next week.

Three US officials briefed on the plan told Politico that the trip is scheduled to run between late January and early February and could also include visits to Costa Rica, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala. The officials stressed that the travel plans are tentative. 

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio was choosing to prioritize the Western Hemisphere because "it’s where we live." She added, "We won’t continue to ignore the region as other administrations have. Engaging with our neighbors is a vital element in addressing migration, supply chains and economic growth, which are key to Secretary Rubio’s pursuit of foreign policy focused on making America strong, prosperous, and safe."

Rubio is expected to use the trip to stress at least two top issues on Trump’s foreign policy agenda, including stopping illegal immigration and Trump’s push to regain control of the Panama Canal, one current official and a former official told the outlet. 

In recent weeks, Trump has been pushing for the US to regain control of the Panama Canal, a major shipping route that cuts across Central America. The Canal was built by the US and control was turned over to Panama in the late 1990s. 

During Trump’s inaugural address on Monday, he said, "We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy, and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back."

In the wake of his speech, Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said, "I categorically reject the words outlined by President Donald Trump regarding Panama and its Canal in his inaugural speech," later adding, "The Canal is and will continue to be from Panama and under Panamanian administration. There is no way that it will be transferred to a neutral administration."