Panama Marks 25th Anniversary of Panama Canal Handover

On Tuesday, Panama celebrated a quarter-century since regaining control of the Panama Canal from the United States, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history and its role in global trade.

The Panama Canal, inaugurated by the United States in 1914, remained under U.S. control for 85 years until its official handover on December 31, 1999. The transition was formalized through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed on September 7, 1977, by Panama’s General Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter, ending decades of foreign oversight.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino addressed the nation from the steps of the Panama Canal Administration Building, the same location where the historic handover took place. “These 25 years of Panamanian administration have been dedicated to a common goal: fulfilling our national commitment to a safe and continuous operation for the world,” Mulino stated.

“This canal belongs to Panamanians, for Panamanians, serving the world but primarily our people,” Mulino emphasized, highlighting the canal’s significance to the nation’s identity and economy.

Since reclaiming the canal, Panama has overseen significant developments, including the expansion project and the construction of the Third Set of Locks, which began operating in 2016. Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales highlighted these achievements during the ceremony, noting the canal’s enhanced capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased global trade flows.

In recognition of the occasion, Miguel Guerra, the first Panamanian employee hired after the canal’s handover in 1999, received the prestigious Order of Vasco Nunez de Balboa from President Mulino. Guerra’s journey symbolizes the opportunities and progress that Panamanian control has afforded its citizens.

The Panama Canal continues to play a pivotal role in international maritime trade, serving as a crucial link between producers and markets across continents, including Asia’s bustling economies. The canal’s efficient operation is vital for global supply chains, particularly for Asian exporters and importers who rely on this critical passageway to reach markets in the Americas and beyond.

As Panama reflects on the past 25 years, the nation looks forward to bolstering its position as a central hub in global commerce. The commitment to maintaining and enhancing the canal’s operations remains a top priority, ensuring it meets the demands of an ever-evolving international trade landscape.