Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a diplomatic conversation with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, characterized as 'frank and respectful.' The dialogue followed President Donald Trump's recent statement renewing the possibility of the US seizing control of the Panama Canal.
Rubio emphasized the US commitment to the treaty that transferred control of the canal to Panama, highlighting that it was not handed over to China. He expressed concerns about the fees the US Navy pays for passage through the canal and the obligation to protect it in case of an attack.
