Panama City — In a firm response to recent remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino declared on Sunday that the Panama Canal will “continue to be in Panamanian hands,” emphasizing the nation’s sovereignty over the vital interoceanic waterway.
“Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama and will remain so,” President Mulino stated in a video posted on social media. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
The statement comes after Trump referred to the Panama Canal as “a vital national asset for the United States,” threatening to retake control of the canal due to what he described as “exorbitant prices” imposed on U.S. ships.
President Mulino expressed his desire to maintain a “respectful” relationship with the upcoming U.S. administration. He highlighted the importance of cooperation on security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime, which he believes should be priorities in the bilateral agenda between Panama and the United States.
Mulino recalled the significance of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977 by then-Panamanian President Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The treaties paved the way for Panama to regain sovereignty over the canal on December 31, 1999.
“The Torrijos-Carter Treaties established the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, guaranteeing its open and safe operation for all nations,” Mulino stated. “Any position to the contrary is invalid.”
Addressing concerns over tariffs, President Mulino explained that fees for canal transit are established through an open hearing process, considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the canal. “(The tariffs) are set based on fair and transparent criteria,” he said.
“The Canal will continue to be in Panamanian hands as an inalienable patrimony of our nation,” Mulino affirmed, “guaranteeing its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit of ships of all nations.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
