US Defense Chief to Visit Panama; Panamanian FM: Still Hopeful for Mutual Respect with US
AFP, Panama City, May 5 - Panama's Foreign Minister Aiza stated today that despite repeated threats by US President Trump to regain control of the Panama Canal, Panama still hopes to maintain a "respectful" relationship with the United States.
US Defense Secretary Hackett is set to visit Panama next week. Given Trump's frequent remarks about reclaiming canal control and accusing China of interfering in its operations, this trip takes on greater urgency.
Aiza said yesterday in a post on the social platform X that he discussed issues such as illegal immigration, organized crime, and drug trafficking with US Deputy Secretary of State Landau during their conversation, describing it as a "sincere and constructive exchange."
"I reiterate that all of Panama's cooperation will be conducted within the framework of our constitution, laws, and the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty. Our relationship with the US must remain respectful, transparent, and reciprocal," he wrote.
Aiza also mentioned that officials from both sides discussed last month's sale of operating rights at ports on both ends of the Panama Canal by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to the American asset management giant BlackRock.
The US Department of State said that Landau "commended Panama's actions to curb malicious influences from competitors."
The US and China are the two largest users of the Panama Canal, which handles 5% of global maritime trade and holds crucial economic and geopolitical significance.
The Panama Canal was opened in 1914 by the US and fully handed over to the Panamanian government in 1999.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828642116973568/
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