Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is in Panama to have high-level meetings with government leaders focused on combating narcotrafficking and strengthening the defense of the Panama Canal.

"The U.S. and Panama share a close partnership that is vital to advancing security and stability in the Western Hemisphere," the command said on US social media company X.

Donovan said he is looking forward to visiting with US service members of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in Panama.

"USS Nimitz and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley are powerful assets in our nation’s arsenal," he said, adding their presence in the region is a "firm demonstration" of US commitment against cartels.

Last week, the US Naval Forces announced that Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will deploy to the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility as part of US Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment.

Last year, the US and Panama signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperative security activities, and also a joint declaration on the security and operation of the Panama Canal, which is a framework for US warships and auxiliary ships to sail "first and free" through the Panama Canal.