U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau discussed the importance of an ongoing audit with Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha on Friday, according to a State Department readout.
The audit focuses on the management of concessions at the two ports flanking the Panama Canal, which are operated by the publicly listed Hong Kong company CK Hutchinson (0001.HK).
Although the Panama Canal itself is managed by Panama, the ports at either end have been under scrutiny due to their critical role in facilitating global trade. Other nearby ports are operated by private companies from the United States, Singapore, and Taiwan, adding layers of complexity to regional trade dynamics.
During their conversation, Landau emphasized that ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of these port concessions is essential for maintaining efficient operations and upholding international trade standards. The audit is part of broader efforts to monitor and improve infrastructure management around one of the world’s most strategic maritime passages.
The discussion reflects the strong cooperative ties between the United States and Panama, particularly on matters affecting trade and security. Further details on the audit and its outcomes are expected to be released in the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to bolster oversight and performance in the management of the Panama Canal's associated facilities.
Adidas and Puma are expected to raise prices in the U.S. after Nike increased footwear costs, as rising import tariffs push up expenses across the sportswear industry.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed hope that the G7 will issue a joint communique supporting Ukraine, despite tensions with the US over wording related to the conflict with Russia. Talks also continue on trade issues and sanctions.
Donald Trump’s flagship bill has passed the House. It promises tax cuts, military spending, and deep cuts to social programmes. The price: $2.4 trillion added to the U.S. debt.
Iran has issued a sharp warning to Israel and the United States, threatening to take unspecified "special measures" to defend its nuclear facilities if threatened, just ahead of a new round of nuclear talks in Rome.
Two staff members from the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.- Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were shot and killed on Wednesday night by a lone gunman as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, close to the White House.
Adidas and Puma are expected to raise prices in the U.S. after Nike increased footwear costs, as rising import tariffs push up expenses across the sportswear industry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized UK’s Starmer, France’s Macron, and Canada’s Carney for urging a halt to Israel’s military action in Gaza, accusing them of siding with Hamas and undermining justice.
Harvard University’s right to enroll foreign students is under threat after the Department of Homeland Security demanded sweeping access to records and imposed a strict compliance deadline, escalating tensions over campus activism and federal oversight.
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank Group, with the 2026 Annual Meeting set to take place in Azerbaijan.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
The Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, scheduled for May 18–19, will host 200 international guests, including 40 current and former European officials.
Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that the USSR’s dissolution was legally invalid and that the Soviet Union still exists under constitutional law, framing the Ukraine war as an “internal process.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized UK’s Starmer, France’s Macron, and Canada’s Carney for urging a halt to Israel’s military action in Gaza, accusing them of siding with Hamas and undermining justice.
Harvard University’s right to enroll foreign students is under threat after the Department of Homeland Security demanded sweeping access to records and imposed a strict compliance deadline, escalating tensions over campus activism and federal oversight.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed hope that the G7 will issue a joint communique supporting Ukraine, despite tensions with the US over wording related to the conflict with Russia. Talks also continue on trade issues and sanctions.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to avoid tariffs on Cognac and to support ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, as the leaders discussed trade tensions and global conflicts.
Donald Trump’s flagship bill has passed the House. It promises tax cuts, military spending, and deep cuts to social programmes. The price: $2.4 trillion added to the U.S. debt.
Adidas and Puma are expected to raise prices in the U.S. after Nike increased footwear costs, as rising import tariffs push up expenses across the sportswear industry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized UK’s Starmer, France’s Macron, and Canada’s Carney for urging a halt to Israel’s military action in Gaza, accusing them of siding with Hamas and undermining justice.
Harvard University’s right to enroll foreign students is under threat after the Department of Homeland Security demanded sweeping access to records and imposed a strict compliance deadline, escalating tensions over campus activism and federal oversight.
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank Group, with the 2026 Annual Meeting set to take place in Azerbaijan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment