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Officials from the Panamanian Ministry of public security and the Panamanian National Police are in Jefferson City this week.

They are guests of the Missouri National Guard and part of an international exchange program.

Among the locations on their itinerary Wednesday was the Missouri State Ethics Commission where they were briefed on state laws that requiring political candidates and government lobbyists to disclose their finances.

Director Julie Allen explained how ethics laws provide accountability.

"Provides transparency about how money is being spent on campaigns,” Allen said.

Last week, Missouri Guard Adjutant Gen. Steve Danner traveled to Panama to meet with local officials and with new U.S. Ambassador Phyllis Powers.

Danner was there to promote the state partnership program and develop ways to improve it.