Rubio's journey begins at the same time as his boss at the White House introduces tough tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico, an aggressive maneuver that was a key part of Trump's election campaign.
As for Panama, the newly elected president has controversial plans in sight, including a takeover of the Panama Canal, something he has threatened with on several occasions.
Marco Rubio is going there to talk to the gentleman who decides, Trump said on Friday before the foreign minister's trip.
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has ruled out negotiating the ownership of the canal altogether.
The canal is Panama's, he said on Thursday.
