'Trump has not been properly advised': Panamanians react to US move to reclaim canal - Video

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office, at the White House

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on AI, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025./File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Panamanians are urging the US to respect their ownership of the Panama Canal ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit this weekend.

This call comes after former US President Donald Trump's comments sparked tensions, with Trump stating that the US would regain ownership of the canal.

However, the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, signed by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian Chief of Government Omar Torrijos, clearly establishes Panama's sovereignty over the canal. The treaty states that the US and Panama will cooperate to protect and defend the canal, but Panama retains full control.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has reaffirmed his country's ownership, stating that every square metre of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone belongs to Panama and will remain so.

The US had primary responsibility for protecting and defending the canal until the treaty's termination in 1999, but Panama is increasingly participating in its management and operation

Abigail Johnson Boakye