President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the Panama Canal. Mulino outright rejected Trump’s argument that the canal was a “gift” from the United States, insisting, “We reject in its entirety everything that Mr Trump has said. First because it is false and second because the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.” He continued by stating, “The Panama Canal was not a concession or a gift from the United States.”
Trump, in his inaugural address, accused China of “operating” the Panama Canal because of its influence over the region. He said the U.S. would reclaim control of the canal, handed over to Panama in 1999 after treaties dating back decades. In reply, Panama filed a complaint with the United Nations, referencing an article in the UN Charter that bans threats to territorial integrity.
China also responded to Trump claims, saying it “never interfered in the affairs of the canal.” But irrespective of this controversy, Mulino was confident, explaining that he was “not worried” and Panama wouldn’t be “distracted by this kind of statement.” According to him, the situation may open avenues for further cooperation with the US on security and migration issues.