Panama celebrated a historic milestone on Tuesday, marking the 25th anniversary of the handover of the Panama Canal, a crucial maritime route that was under United States control for nearly a century.
Originally inaugurated by the United States in 1914, the Panama Canal was operated by the U.S. until December 31, 1999. The transition of control was formalized through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed on September 7, 1977, by Panama’s General Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter, effectively ending 85 years of U.S. administration of the canal zone.
“These 25 years of Panamanian administration have worked on a common goal: to fulfill the national commitment to a safe and continuous operation for the world,” said Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino during the commemoration ceremony. Speaking from the steps of the Panama Canal Administration Building, Mulino emphasized the significance of the canal for the nation. “This canal has to be and has to continue to be the canal of our Panamanians, for Panamanians, at the world’s service but above all for Panamanians mainly,” he stated.
The Panama Canal Administration Building holds historical importance as the site where the official handover took place on December 31, 1999, under the leadership of then-President Mireya Mosco.
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales highlighted the achievements made over the past quarter-century, including the ambitious expansion project and the construction of the Third Set of Locks, which became operational in 2016. These developments have significantly enhanced the canal’s capacity and global maritime trade influence.
During the ceremony, Miguel Guerra, recognized as the first Panamanian hired by the Panama Canal following its handover in 1999, was honored with Panama’s Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa by President Mulino. This accolade acknowledged Guerra’s contributions and symbolized the canal’s return to Panamanian hands.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
