Marco Rubio shakes hands with his Panamanian counterpart ahead of a meeting with the country’s president :::: Panama City, PanamaRubio's meeting with Mulino will be the first talks between the countries since President Donald Trump's threat to take control of the Panama Canal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and gaining control over the Panama Canal, deeming it crucial for U.S. national security interests. During an appearance on SiriusXM's "The Megyn Kelly Show,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting Panama’s president Sunday as America’s top diplomat as President Trump increases pressure on Washington’s neighbors and allies.