Panama not intending to hand over the Panama Canal

Panama has emphasised that the issue of sovereignty over the Panama Canal is not open for discussion. The country's Foreign Minister, Javier Martinez-Acha, denied reports of possible negotiations with the newly elected US President on this topic.

According to Telemetro, the minister noted that there had been no contact between Panama and Trump or his team. He added that after Trump takes office, bilateral relations will develop through established official channels.

Martinez-Acha reiterated the position of Panamanian President Raul Mulino, stating that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal remains inviolable.

«Наш канал находится под контролем только панамцев, и так будет всегда. Суверенитет канала не подлежит дискуссии» ("Our canal is under the control of Panamanians only, and it will always be so. The sovereignty of the canal is not open for discussion"), the minister stated. He also emphasised that the Panama Canal plays a key role in serving world trade and humanity, guaranteeing neutrality and non-involvement in conflicts for the international community.