Following Donald Trump's remarks in his inaugural speech regarding the Panama Canal, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected the notion that the United States would be 'taking back' the canal. Mulino emphasized that the Canal is and will remain under Panamanian control, adhering to its permanent neutrality.
In response to Trump's assertion that China is 'operating' the canal, Mulino stated that there is no foreign presence interfering with Panama's administration of the Canal. He called for dialogue to address the points raised by Trump while asserting Panama's right to sovereignty over the waterway.
The Panama Canal Authority refrained from commenting on Trump's allegations, maintaining a neutral stance on the matter.
Trump's claim that Panama has violated treaty agreements related to the canal's neutrality was met with skepticism by Panamanian officials. He alleged that American ships, including the U.S. Navy, are being overcharged and treated unfairly in canal operations.
Despite Trump's statements, Panama remains steadfast in its position that the Canal is a symbol of national pride and a key asset under its control. The call for dialogue between the two nations underscores the importance of clarifying any misunderstandings while upholding Panama's ownership and sovereignty over the historic waterway.
