Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino hit back on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump suggested he would return the Panama Canal to U.S. control.
“As president, I want to make it clear that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panama and will continue to do so,” Mulino said. video statement, According to the English translation. “Our sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable.”
“The canal is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by China, the European Community, the United States or any other major power,” Mulino said. “As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any statements that distort this reality.”
“Panama respects other countries and demands respect,” he added.
President Trump on Sunday proposed returning the Panama Canal to U.S. control at a conference of supporters, vowing to take swift action on the issue once he takes office in less than a month.
“It's given to Panama and the Panamanian people, but with stipulations. They're supposed to treat us fairly and they're not treating us fairly,” Trump said at Turning Point's “American Fest.” ” he said.
President Trump continued, “If the moral and legal principles of this generous donation are not upheld, we will demand that the Panama Canal be completely, promptly, and without question returned to the United States.'' Dew,” he added.
When members of the audience chanted “take it back,” Trump responded, “That's a good idea.”
President Trump also accused Central American countries of charging exorbitant fees to ships using the canal, which runs between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Panama imposes duties on boats and ships using the canal. Prices vary depending on the size and purpose of the vessel and range from $0.50 to $300,000. The United States transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999.
“Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal?” President Trump told the crowd at “America Fest.” “Because we are being fooled at the Panama Canal just as we are being fooled everywhere else.”
“The fees that Panama is charging are ridiculous and extremely unfair,” Trump said.
In a video statement, Mulino pushed back against President Trump's attacks on the tolls, noting that the Panama Canal has grown since Panama oversaw its management and that the tolls are fair.
“Interest rates are not a fickle thing,” Mulino said. “They will be established in public consultations, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the needs for the maintenance and modernization of interoceanic routes.”
“Thus we achieved the expansion of the canal in 2016, which today means greater economic and commercial growth, creating more wealth and opportunity across the world and its trade. ” he added.
Mulino said he wants to maintain a strong relationship with the incoming Trump administration and mentioned several issues on which he would like to collaborate.
“I look forward to maintaining and maintaining a good and respectful relationship with the new U.S. administration. Security issues such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and organized crime are realities of great concern to us. As such, it must be a priority on the bilateral agenda.”
He said that his country's interests always come first.
“We Panamanians may think differently on many issues, but when it comes to our canals and our sovereignty, we are all united under one flag: Panama.” he said. “We are and always are a country open to dialogue, investment and good relations, but with a clear motto that country comes first.”
“For this Panamanian president, it's non-negotiable.”
