Panama’s President Raúl Mulino met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss key issues, including the Panama Canal, Chinese influence, and migration policies. Mulino reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty and announced that his government will not renew the 2017 Belt and Road Initiative memorand
Panama’s President Raúl Mulino held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, addressing concerns over the Panama Canal, Chinese influence, and regional migration policies.
Speaking after the meeting, Mulino described the discussions as "cordial and respectful", emphasizing Panama’s strategic relationship with the U.S. while defending the country’s sovereignty over the canal.
Mulino addressed U.S. concerns over China’s involvement in Panama, particularly in relation to ports near the canal. He stated that for the first time since the 1997 concession, two Chinese-owned ports are undergoing audits by Panamanian authorities.
"We have to wait for the audit process to conclude before drawing legal conclusions and acting accordingly," Mulino said.
He also confirmed that the Panama Canal remains under national control, responding to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed concerns over Chinese presence in the region.
"The canal is operated by our country and will continue to be so," Mulino stated.
Mulino and Rubio also discussed expanding the memorandum of understanding signed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in July 2024 to strengthen migration controls.
The agreement focuses on the repatriation of migrants from the Darién Gap, a key transit route for people traveling from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Mulino offered Panama’s Nicanor track in Metetí, Darién as a repatriation hub.
Mulino confirmed that his government will not renew the 2017 memorandum of understanding on China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a shift in Panama’s economic and diplomatic stance.
With U.S.-Panama relations under renewed focus, the meeting highlighted the region’s growing geopolitical tensions, particularly over China’s role in Latin America and the strategic importance of the Panama Canal.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fre...
Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held both a tête-à-tête and an extended-format meeting with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Fore...
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a ...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russi...
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 Novem...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fresh wave of nationals expelled from the United States is due to arrive within days.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held both a tête-à-tête and an extended-format meeting with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, in Baku on Monday (8 December).
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fresh wave of nationals expelled from the United States is due to arrive within days.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment