“This announcement means a new intervention in Latin American territory”, warned Carmona when asked by Prensa Latina about Trump’s statements.

The head of the PCCh described Trump’s coming to power on 20 January as a danger for the region and the autonomy of our countries.

Recently, the US president-elect said he would demand the return of the interoceanic waterway because of the exorbitant prices charged to US ships, something Panama has denied.

In light of Trump’s threat, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, writing on the X social media, supported Panamanian sovereignty over the route linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

“As the fourth world user of the Canal, Chile thanks Panama for managing this inter-oceanic waterway, which is essential for our foreign trade,” said Van Klaveren.

The Foreign Minister recalled that the Torrijos-Carter Treaties recognise Panama’s full sovereignty over the Canal and are the legal basis for its operation.

This week, the Permanent Foreign Policy Forum, made up of former ministers, ambassadors, academics and experts, rejected Trump’s statements, which it said showed an attitude incompatible with the principles of neutrality and respect that should govern in the 21st century.

“Panama’s management of the canal not only benefits global trade, but is an example of sovereign and efficient governance in the region,” the forum stressed in a statement.

mh/jha/car