Panama Rejects US Canal Reclaiming Claims Ahead of Rubio Visit
Panama has firmly rejected any possibility of renegotiating ownership of the Panama Canal, President José Raúl Mulino stated Thursday, ahead of a high-profile visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, The Associated Press reports.
Mulino’s comments come in response to repeated assertions by US President Donald Trump suggesting the US should reclaim the waterway.
Rubio’s visit, the first overseas trip for the top US diplomat, is highly significant for Panama. However, the shadow of Trump’s pronouncements hangs over the meeting. On his inauguration day, Trump claimed US ships were being unfairly overcharged and implied China’s involvement in canal operations was problematic. He previously suggested the US could demand the canal’s return.
Mulino sought to defuse the tension during his weekly press conference. He clarified that while a Hong Kong consortium manages ports at either end of the canal, Panama retains complete control of the waterway itself. He also attributed the establishment of diplomatic relations with China to a previous administration.
“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate,” Mulino said unequivocally when asked about returning the canal to US control. “That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.”
The Panama Canal, built by the US in the early 20 century, was transferred to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
Mulino expressed his hope that Rubio’s visit will allow for frank discussions on shared priorities, including migration, security, and combating drug trafficking. He emphasized his desire to “clear all the garbage from the path” and establish a productive dialogue with the United States.
Secretary Rubio is scheduled to meet with President Mulino on Sunday and will also visit the Panama Canal.
