Strengthened security between Panama and Colombia

Panama and Colombia have agreed to strengthen security between the two countries by adding two new crossing border stations added to the two that already exist in the Darién jungle. The new patrol stations, located in La Olla and La Balsa, will be staffed by both Colombians and Panamanians.

President Juan Carlos Varela and Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos also agreed to increase inter-agency coordination in the areas of security, immigration and intelligence to deal with issues such as the flow of migrants and drug trafficking along the border.

The two presidents also promised to find a solution to the ongoing trade dispute that exists between the two countries.

The new patrol stations will be located in La Olla and La Balsa. Staff from both Colombia and Panama will be stationed there.

This was the second meeting that Varela has attended in an effort to resolve the issue of border security. Earlier this month he met with Costa Rican officials in Chiriquí.