Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly stated on Thursday, January 30, that his country would not engage in any negotiations with the United States over the ownership of the Panama Canal. He emphasized that Panama would continue to manage the waterway and expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit could center on mutual interests such as migration and combating drug trafficking.
Rubio’s trip marks his first overseas mission as the representative of U.S. President Donald Trump, attracting significant attention due to Trump’s previous remarks about potentially reclaiming control of the Panama Canal. During his inauguration, Trump suggested that U.S. ships were being “severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form,” and pointed to China’s involvement in operating the canal. He had also stated that the U.S. could demand the canal’s return.
However, Mulino sought to downplay the growing tension during his weekly press conference, aiming to clarify any misconceptions surrounding China’s role in the canal.
“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate,” Mulino responded when asked about the possibility of returning the canal to U.S. control. “That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.”
The Panama Canal, originally built by the United States in the early 20th century to facilitate easier transport of vessels between its coasts, was officially handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, following a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
Mulino further clarified his position by stating that he aimed to clear away misunderstandings and focus on productive discussions with the United States on other pressing issues. “The only thing that I want is to clear all the garbage from the path, clean the table and be able to speak with the United States and very frankly,” he said, referencing topics such as immigration, security, and the fight against drug trafficking.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Mulino on Sunday, February 2, for talks on these matters.
