ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Visits Latin America to Strengthen National Security and Economic Ties

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled to El Salvador, Panama, and Mexico to meet with leaders in each country to emphasize the importance of bilateral relations, and advance policies reversing encroachment by the Chinese Communist Party, countering narcotics and human trafficking, addressing illegal immigration, and strengthening economic prosperity.

Sen. Cruz said, "The relationships between the U.S. and El Salvador, Panama, and Mexico are critical to the safety and security of Americans. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with leaders from those countries. I will continue working alongside President Trump to strengthen those relationships for the betterment of Texans and our great nation."

SAN SALVADOR, El SALVADOR

In El Salvador, Sen. Cruz met with:

• Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador
• Gustavo Villatoro, Minister of Justice and Public Security
• María Luisa Hayem, Minister of the Economy
• American servicemembers at United States Southern Command's Cooperative Security Location Comalapa

During these meetings, Sen. Cruz discussed how the Bukele government has transformed El Salvador from one of the most dangerous in the world to one of the safest, reducing its homicide rate by 98%. He also visited the CECOT prison, one of the largest prisons in the world, which houses MS-13 and Barrio 18 gang members who had conducted terrorism against El Salvador for over 20 years.

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

In Panama, Sen. Cruz met with:

• Samuel Lewis Navarro, former Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Felipe Chapman, Minister of Economy and Finance
• Frank Abrego, Minister of Public Security
• Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, Administrator of the Panama Canal
• American sailors and servicemembers of the USS Lake Erie

During these meetings, Sen. Cruz highlighted the importance of the Panama Canal for United States national security and trade, as well as the growing threats posed by China and other foreign actors seeking to exert influence in the region, which endanger both American and Panamanian national and economic security.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

In Mexico, Sen. Cruz met with:

• Ronald Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
• Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
• General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense
• Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development

During these meetings, Sen. Cruz discussed partnerships to combat cartels, counter the New World Screwworm threat, promote trade and security.