Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Panama has firmly responded to remarks made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding his intentions to regain control over the Panama Canal, asserting that the country’s sovereignty over the canal is “non-negotiable.” The statement was made by Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, in an interview with CNN.
“The sovereignty of our canal is not up for discussion… The mission of our canal is to serve humanity and global trade,” emphasized the minister. He added that the canal is managed exclusively by Panamanians and “will remain so in the future.”
Trump’s Controversial Statements
U.S. President-elect Announces Talks with Panama Over Canal Control
On January 7, Donald Trump announced that he had initiated talks with Panamanian representatives regarding the possibility of transferring control of the Panama Canal back to the United States. Trump claimed that Panamanian authorities charge the U.S. government higher fees for naval forces compared to ships from other nations.
The president-elect also alleged that Panama had violated “every point of the agreement” following the handover of the canal’s control from Washington to Panama in 1999.
Historical Background of the Panama Canal
Transfer of Control to Panama in 1999
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is one of the most critical waterways in the world. Built in the early 20th century under U.S. supervision, the canal remained under American control until 1999, when full sovereignty was transferred to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977.
The handover of the canal to Panama marked a historic moment, restoring full sovereignty to the Latin American nation over its territory and waterways. Since then, Panama has managed the canal efficiently, turning it into a major source of national income and a vital artery for global trade.
International Reactions
Trump’s Remarks Spark Concern in Latin America
Trump’s statements have sparked widespread reactions across Latin America, with several countries expressing concern over the potential return of U.S. influence in the region. Many governments have emphasized that any attempt to regain control of the Panama Canal would constitute a blatant violation of Panama’s national sovereignty and international law.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have also called for respect for international agreements and non-interference in national sovereignty. They stressed that the Panama Canal symbolizes Panama’s independence and sovereignty, and any interference would represent a setback for international relations.
The Future of the Panama Canal
Panama Reaffirms Commitment to Managing the Canal for Humanity
Amid these developments, the Panamanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to managing the Panama Canal independently and effectively, in service of humanity and global trade. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the canal will remain under Panamanian control and will continue to play its vital role in facilitating international trade.
He added that Panama will not allow any attempts to interfere in its internal affairs or undermine its sovereignty over the canal, asserting that the country is fully capable of managing this strategic waterway.
Trump’s Remarks Put U.S.-Panama Relations Under the Spotlight
Donald Trump’s remarks come at a time of significant shifts in international relations, particularly with changes in U.S. foreign policy under his administration. However, Panama has made it clear that the Panama Canal will remain under its full sovereignty and that it will not tolerate any violations of its national sovereignty.
Ultimately, this issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the coming days, especially as Trump prepares to assume the presidency and its implications for U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America and the world.
