During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, José Raúl Mulino, the president of Panama, refuted statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal. Mulino categorically stated that all claims made by Trump about the canal were false and not based on truth.
In his recent inaugural address, Trump expressed intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, which holds significant historical and strategic importance. The canal, constructed with the help of US-imported workers after Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903, has been a point of contention and negotiation between the two countries over the years.
Historically, the United States controlled the canal for several decades following its completion in 1914. Panama received an initial payment of $10 million and an annual fee of $250,000 for canal usage. However, after persistent resistance from Panamanians, the canal was eventually returned to Panama in 1999 through an agreement reached by former President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos in 1977.
Mulino emphasized that the Panama Canal was not a gift and highlighted Panama's continued progress and development despite any distractions caused by misleading statements. He reiterated Panama's commitment to managing and maintaining the canal efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the country and global trade.
