The Panama Canal received U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera on May 21, 2025, as part of an institutional visit aimed at providing first-hand insight into the Canal’s operations and strategic importance. The visit reflected ongoing diplomatic engagement around one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

The U.S. delegation, which also included Defense Attaché Daniel Bethancourt and Economic Attaché April Cohen, began the tour at the Miraflores Locks, where they were welcomed by Panama Canal Vice President of Operations Boris Moreno. The visit then continued at the Cocolí Locks, where Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales received the delegation.

During the tour, Ambassador Cabrera observed the operation of the Neopanamax locks and took part in a technical discussion covering the Canal’s operational capacity, its role in global logistics, and the strategic challenges facing the waterway. Vásquez thanked the ambassador for the visit and emphasized that the tour offered an opportunity to witness both the historic Miraflores Locks and the expanded Cocolí Locks, which were built through Panamanian investment and helped double the Canal’s transit capacity.

The Canal Administrator also highlighted Panama’s commitment to maintaining the waterway as a safe, accessible, and neutral passage for all users. The visit underscored the strong connection between the Canal and the United States, which remains its largest user. By the end of fiscal year 2024, more than half of all registered transits were linked to U.S. ports, while 76% of cargo volume moved through the Canal was associated with the United States. More than three-quarters of that cargo passed through the Neopanamax locks.