The Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulino, expressed in the Forum of Davos, Switzerland, that his country has the support of international law against the plans of U.S. President Donald Trump to regain control of the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that Panama has sovereignty and nationality over the Canal backed by international law, which he considers a permanent and indisputable position.
In a meeting during the World Economic Forum, Mulino reiterated that the Canal legitimately belongs to Panama. Trump had expressed his intention to 'recover' control of the route upon taking office, thus resuming a stance previously announced after winning the elections in November. Mulino highlighted that the Panama Canal is regulated by an international treaty backed by more than 40 countries, becoming the only active treaty in the nation.
"It is a multilateral international treaty. International law must be obeyed and respected," pointed out the Panamanian president to the press. Regarding possible actions to be taken, Mulino indicated that he would address the issue with his national and international advisory team once he returns to Panama, after his participation in the Forum of Davos and his visit to Italy and the Vatican.
Mulino also emphasized the support of more than 40 countries for the neutrality protocol of the Canal, indicating the possibility of turning to these countries to ensure compliance with the legality of the Panama Canal, if necessary.
