ISTANBUL

Panama’s foreign minister responded sharply on Tuesday to remarks made by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding control of the Panama Canal, asserting: "The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable."

Javier Martinez-Acha, emphasizing the canal's significance in Panama’s history, called it an "irreversible conquest" and stressed that the Panama Canal is solely under Panamanian control. "It will remain that way," he added.

Reassuring the world, the minister reaffirmed Panama's commitment to neutrality in any conflict, while emphasizing that the canal’s primary mission is to serve global trade.

Martinez-Acha stated that the government of President Jose Raul Mulino had no formal or informal contact with Trump or any representatives of the incoming US administration.

He further noted that relations between the US and Panama would be conducted through the standard formal channels once Trump takes office on January 20.

Martinez-Acha reiterated that Panama remains open to dialogue, investment, and positive relations, always prioritizing the country's national interests.