Panama President José Raúl Mulino declared on Thursday that there will be no discussions with the United States about the ownership of the Panama Canal. He expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit would help both countries focus on shared concerns such as migration and the fight against drug trafficking.
The visit is notable for Panama as Rubio is the first high-ranking U.S. official to travel there. This is especially significant as Rubio is representing U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously suggested that the U.S. should regain control of the Panama Canal.
Trump had made comments on his inauguration day, claiming that U.S. ships were being “heavily overcharged” and were being treated unfairly when using the canal. He also emphasized that “above all, China is operating the Panama Canal,” and hinted that the U.S. could demand the canal be returned.
At his press conference on Thursday, Mulino sought to reduce the tension, aiming to clear up misconceptions about China’s involvement in the canal. He explained that while a Hong Kong-based consortium operates ports at both ends of the canal, Panama itself maintains full control of the waterway. Mulino also pointed out that it was a previous administration that established diplomatic ties with China, which has led to some of the confusion.
When asked about the possibility of returning the Panama Canal to U.S. control, Mulino firmly stated, “It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate. That’s finished. The canal belongs to Panama.”
The United States constructed the Panama Canal in the early 1900s to improve the movement of commercial and military vessels between its east and west coasts. However, control of the canal was transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, through a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.
Mulino expressed that his main objective is to clear up any misunderstandings and create a clear path for open, honest discussions with the United States. He wants to address important issues such as immigration, security, and the fight against drug trafficking.
Rubio is scheduled to meet with Mulino on Sunday and will also take a tour of the canal.