The primary objectives of Rubio's visit are to address migration to the United States, limit Chinese influence in Central America, and reassert US control over the Panama Canal. Discussions will likely involve strategies for managing migration flows and addressing the root causes of migration. Countering Chinese economic and political influence in the region will also be a key focus.

This visit underscores the United States' renewed interest in Central America and its strategic importance. The focus on the Panama Canal highlights the US's desire to maintain its influence over critical infrastructure. The trip also reflects the ongoing competition between the United States and China for influence in the region.