Panama's Foreign Minister Emphasizes Importance of Relations with US

On January 9, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha emphasized that relations between Panama and the United States remain fluid and are framed in respect and cooperation. 'Just as in 1964 the students opened the way to the Panama of today, the students play a leading role so that the canal remains competitive, efficient, and profitable,' he stated. 'The Panama Canal is managed efficiently and neutrally for all countries.' In this sense, he stressed the importance of teaching the subject of the History of Relations between Panama and the United States in schools, because a date like January 9 should not go unnoticed. Opportunities for Young People On the other hand, the Minister of Canal Affairs, José Ramón Icaza, said that the focus is on the future and that future is dictated by the youth. 'The United States understands that the best way to have an open canal is in Panamanian hands and having 4 million Panamanians as friends,' he added. 'We have already advanced with 6 of 7 cycles of meetings following the performance standard of the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, which is the standard.' Regarding the date, the minister highlighted that it is fundamental to keep the historical memory of this event alive. Asked about the tensions over the Canal that arose last year, Martínez-Acha underlined that both nations have been able to put their priorities on the table. 'We have maintained a participatory and open dialogue with each of the communities,' he noted. In this direction, the minister recalled that in 2025, 9 participatory platforms were installed as part of the resettlement process for the development of important projects.