In a bold statement, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino declared that the Panama Canal will \"continue to be in Panamanian hands\" despite recent threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
President Mulino emphasized that every square meter of the canal and its surrounding areas belong to Panama and will remain so, reinforcing that the \"sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.\"
Trump had previously labeled the Panama Canal as \"a vital national asset for the United States,\" criticizing the current tariffs as \"exorbitant prices\" for U.S. ships and hinting at the possibility of the U.S. retaking control of the canal.
Despite the tensions, Mulino expressed his hope to maintain a \"respectful\" relationship with the incoming U.S. administration. He highlighted that both nations should prioritize security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime in their bilateral agenda.
Referencing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977, Mulino reminded the world that Panama regained full sovereignty over the canal on December 31, 1999. He reiterated that the treaties ensure the canal's permanent neutrality, guaranteeing its open and safe operation for all nations. Any contrary positions, he stated, are invalid.
Regarding the tariffs, Mulino explained that they are determined through an open hearing process, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic waterway.
He concluded by affirming, \"The Canal will continue to be in Panamanian hands as an inalienable patrimony of our nation and guaranteeing its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit of ships of all nations.\"
