Panama's President José Raúl Mulino delivered a fiery defense of his country's control over the Panama Canal this weekend, responding to controversial remarks from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. 🗣️ 'Every square meter belongs to Panama – now and always,' Mulino declared in a viral video, his words echoing through the tropical humidity like a modern-day declaration of independence.
From Twitter Storm to Trade Waters
The clash began when Trump called the canal 'a vital U.S. asset' and threatened to retake control, citing shipping costs. But Mulino shot back with history lessons and legal receipts 📜: 'Our sovereignty was hard-won through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties. This isn't 1903!'
The Neutrality Clause Card
Dropping diplomatic knowledge like a TikTok trend, Mulino emphasized the canal's permanent neutrality status. 🌍 'It's open to all nations – period,' he stated, adding that tariff decisions follow transparent processes considering market realities and maintenance needs.
Beyond the Waterway Waves
While drawing red lines on sovereignty, Mulino extended an olive branch 🌿 for collaboration on security issues: 'Let's focus on real challenges – migration, drugs, terrorism. That's where partnership matters.'
As container ships glide through the upgraded locks, this 21st-century sovereignty standoff reminds us: In global trade politics, the current always flows both ways. ⚖️🚢
