Panama's president emphasized the ownership of the Panama Canal by the republic
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Monday, January 20, rejected the statements of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump about his intention to gain control of the Panama Canal and emphasized its belonging to the country.
This was his reaction to statements made by Trump in his inauguration speech in which he promised to return the Panama Canal to the United States and rename the Gulf of Mexico as the American Canal.
"I reiterate what was already said in my address to the nation on Dec. 22: the canal was and remains part of Panama, its management will remain under Panamanian control with strict respect for its permanent neutrality," Mulino said in a statement on his X page.
The Panamanian president separately emphasized that "there is no country in the world that interferes" in the administration of the canal.
"For 25 years, we have administered and managed the canal continuously, being responsible for it to the world and world trade, including the United States <...> We are ready for dialog, but not for subjugation," the Panamanian president added.
Earlier in the day, Trump took the oath of office in the Capitol rotunda, becoming the 47th President of the United States, reports "Gazeta.Ru". Along with him, Vice President Jay Dee Vance was sworn in. This is the second presidential term of Trump, the first time he was the American leader in 2017-2021. In his inaugural speech, the new US president announced the beginning of the "golden age of America".
Before the ceremony, Trump and his wife Melania attended a tea party at the White House with outgoing President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.
The election of the 47th president of the United States was held on November 5. In the popular vote, Trump received 51% of the vote, while former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris received 47.4%. Speaking to supporters, the Republican said that his goal as head of state considers the end of military conflicts in the world.
