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Panama - Relations with U.S. (Notes)

U.S.-PANAMANIAN RELATIONS The United States cooperates with the Panamanian Government in promoting economic, political, security, and social development through U.S. and international agencies. Cultural ties between the two countries are strong, and many Panamanians come to the United States for higher education and advanced training. About 25,000 American citizens reside in Panama, many retirees from the Panama Canal Commission and individuals who hold dual nationality. There is also a rapidly growing enclave of American retirees in the Chiriqui Province in western Panama. Panama continues to fight against the illegal narcotics and arms trade. The countrys proximity to major cocaine-producing nations and its role as a commercial and financial crossroads make it a country of special importance in this regard. The Panamanian Government has concluded agreements with the U.S. on maritime law enforcement, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and stolen vehicles. A three-year investigation by the Drug Prosecutors Office (DPO), the PTJ, and several other law enforcement agencies in the region culminated in the May 2006 arrest in Brazil of Pablo Rayo Montano, a Colombian-born drug kingpin. Assets located in Panama belonging to his criminal cartel were among those seized by the Government of Panama following his indictment by a U.S. federal court in Miami. In the economic investment arena, the Panamanian Government has been successful in the enforcement of intellectual property rights and has concluded a Bilateral Investment Treaty Amendment with the United States and an agreement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Although money laundering remains a problem, Panama passed significant reforms in 2000 intended to strengthen its cooperation against international financial crimes. In January 2005, Panama sent election supervisors to Iraq as part of the International Mission for Iraqi Elections to monitor the national elections. The Panama Canal Treaties The 1977 Panama Canal Treaties entered into force on October 1, 1979. They replaced the 1903 Hay/Bunau-Varilla Treaty between the United States and Panama (modified in 1936 and 1955), and all other U.S.-Panama agreements concerning the Panama Canal, which were in force on that date. The treaties comprise a basic treaty governing the operation and defense of the Canal from October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1999 (Panama Canal Treaty) and a treaty guaranteeing the permanent neutrality of the Canal (Neutrality Treaty). The details of the arrangements for U.S. operation and defense of the Canal under the Panama Canal Treaty are spelled out in separate implementing agreements. The Canal Zone and its government ceased to exist when the treaties entered into force and Panama assumed jurisdiction over Canal Zone territories and functions, a process which was finalized on December 31, 1999. Principal U.S. Embassy Officials Ambassador--William A. Eaton Deputy Chief of Mission--Luis Arreaga-Rodas Counselor for Political Affairs--Brian Naranjo Counselor for Economic Affairs--Timothy P. Lattimer Counselor for Public Affairs--William Ostick Counselor for Management--David J. Savastuk Consul General--Susan Alexander The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located at Avenida Balboa y Calle 38, Panama City (tel: 507-207-7000). Personal and official mail for the embassy and members of the mission may be sent to: U.S. Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002. E-mail: Panamaweb@state.gov Other Contact Information American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Panama Estafeta Balboa Apartado 168 Panama, Republica de Panama Tel: 507-269-3881 Fax: 507-223-3508 E-mail: amcham@pan.gbm.net U.S. Department of State Office of Central America and Panama Affairs (CEN-PAN) 2201 C St. NW Washington, DC 20520 Tel: (202) 647-3482 Fax: (202) 647-2597 U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Office of Latin American and the Caribbean 14th and Constitution, NW Washington, DC 20230 Tel: 202-482-0057 800-USA-TRADE Fax: 202-482-0464 Home Page: http://trade.gov