Panama says no discussions over canal with US
(VOVWORLD) - Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has ruled out discussing control of the Panama Canal with top US diplomat Marco Rubio, who is set to visit the Central American country next week.
A drone photo shows vessels sailing on the Panama Canal near Panama City, Panama. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
Addressing a regular press conference on Thursday in the capital Panama City, Mulino asserted that holding negotiations over ownership of the canal is impossible and that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama.
The President said that the two sides will discuss common issues such as migration, fighting organized crime and drug trafficking. He reiterated that despite ups and downs, bilateral ties have remained strong, enabling both countries to navigate complex situations.
Mulino’s statement came as US President Donald Trump hinted in his inauguration speech on January 20 that he would retake the control of the Panama Canal if the waterway was handed over to the wrong people and if costs for US ships passing through were not reduced.
The canal has been managed by Panama since 1999, but the US is accusing Panama of not managing the canal itself and letting another country operate it.