Prioritizing America's interests also means safeguarding our regional neighbors. This involves combating the flow of dangerous drugs like fentanyl, addressing illegal immigration and criminal activity, and curbing the economic, technological, and political expansion of communist China within the Western Hemisphere.

My initial diplomatic mission as Secretary of State under President Trump focused on five key democratic allies in our region. This was a deliberate choice, reflecting the importance of these relationships, which had been neglected by previous administrations. During my time in the Senate, regional leaders frequently expressed feeling that being an enemy of the U.S. was preferable to being a friend. This dynamic has now changed.

My visits to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic yielded immediate positive outcomes.

These early achievements under President Trump's America First policy highlight several key points. Panama is moving away from China's influence. El Salvador has agreed to accept deportees of all nationalities. Costa Rica is strengthening collaboration with the U.S. to combat drugs, crime, and terrorism. Guatemala has pledged to increase deportation flight acceptance by 40%. In the Dominican Republic, the U.S. seized an aircraft belonging to a high-ranking Venezuelan official involved in sanctions evasion.

This practical approach is already yielding benefits for our partners and the American people. China's growing influence around the Panama Canal posed a threat to the canal's neutrality and American security. However, a single warning from the U.S. regarding the risks associated with China prompted Panama to commit to withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Biden administration had strained relations with El Salvador, but during my initial meeting with President Nayib Bukele, he offered to detain violent illegal migrants from any nation on behalf of the United States.

The leaders of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic have also offered their cooperation. We collaborated on strategies to counter threats to the sovereignty of the Americas, such as China's 5G telecom espionage, illegal immigration, and transnational criminal organizations. Each leader reaffirmed their commitment to accepting deportees from the U.S. A new memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation with El Salvador exemplifies the advantages our partners can anticipate when they collaborate with us. It also demonstrates how practical compromises can enhance safety, security, and prosperity for all within our hemisphere.

The shift in our regional approach is significant. Just a few months ago, the region appeared to be gravitating towards China. Nations were falling prey to criminal elements and cartels. Authoritarian regimes in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba were exploiting the situation. This will no longer be tolerated. These regimes are adversaries of human rights. The change stems from a president and administration determined to prevent America's influence from waning in our own region.

These early successes demonstrate that the U.S. prioritizes its interests and those of its allies in the Western Hemisphere. These nations are more naturally aligned with us than with a distant authoritarian regime like China. They will only deviate from this alignment if the United States abandons the field to its rivals. These successes also prove that "America First" does not equate to "America Alone." This administration will pursue mutually beneficial agreements with international partners whenever feasible, always in accordance with our interests. This pragmatic foreign policy approach is not an abandonment of our values but is grounded in realism. It is already yielding positive results. I anticipate similar or greater success in future endeavors. Nations worldwide recognize America's renewed strength. In partnership with the U.S., the Americas will also regain their strength.