The first visit of U.S. Secretary of State Rubio is scheduled for Panama.

Agency sources believe that Rubio's visit is intended to showcase the seriousness of U.S. President Donald Trump's intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal.

According to Politico's sources, Marco Rubio will focus on issues related to illegal immigration during his trip.

Illegal migrants attempting to enter the U.S. through the Mexican border primarily come from Latin American countries, which is why Rubio plans to visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, where a summit of Western Hemisphere countries will take place this year, typically attended by the U.S. President.

Politico's sources noted that the visit plans are preliminary. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio chose the Western Hemisphere as a priority because "this is where we live." "We will not continue to ignore the region as other administrations have done. Engaging with our neighbors is a vital component in addressing issues of migration, supply chains, and economic growth," Bruce added.

Typically, the first trip of a Secretary of State is to a country that is a geopolitically significant ally of the U.S. His predecessor, Antony Blinken, made his first visit to Japan.

• During his inauguration speech on January 20, Trump promised, among other things, to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the American Gulf and to regain control of the Panama Canal if transit fees for American vessels are not reduced.
• Panama's President José Raúl Mulino stated that the Panama Canal will remain part of the country. Mulino added that rates are set based on market conditions, competition, and the need to maintain the canal. He expressed his intention to maintain respectful relations with the new U.S. government.

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