Mike Pence's Speech

In the remarks made by Vice President, Mike Pence, during his trip to Latin America, he ends his tour with a speech in Panama. In his speech he brings up the terror attack in Barcelona, our alliance with Panama, and the success that the Panama canal has brought both the U.S. and Panama, stating that, “our prosperity is intertwined”.
Pence begins by making a statement about the recent terrorist attack in Barcelona, Spain. He reinstates what little President Donald Trump had to say about the attack, stating that we will not condemn this attack and will do whatever is necessary to help. What little Mike Pence had to say about the attack just makes it seem like he is making false promises and proves to show that his focus in not primarily on the victims. His statement just seemed like way of publically stating our grief for Barcelona and not so much of a plan on what we actually plan on
Why would Pence feel the need to publically state that, does Panama have doubt of our current President's intent on keeping them as an ally? Also, if Trump really was such a great supporter of their partnership with Panama, then why wasn't he there himself to make the speech? If trump was there himself it would really show our devotion still stands with Panama.
Mike Pence goes on to talk about our history with Panama and even makes sure to remind the crowd about the U.S. being the first to recognize Panama as an independent nation. When I hear this it only makes me think that he is desperately trying to validate and credit the U.S. for Panama's endeavors. Pence drags it out even further by stating that the success of the Panama canal was achieved by our two countries combined. To me this again sounds like he is really fishing for the crowds acceptance, also while still crediting the U.S. to every major achievement Panama has