DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino firmly replied "be serious, be serious" on Wednesday in Davos when asked about concerns regarding a potential U.S. invasion following President Donald Trump's statement about the Panama Canal.
After participating in a panel discussion on Latin America's "faultlines" at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss resort, Mulino chose not to entertain further questions.
In his remarks on Monday referencing the 19th-century expansionist doctrine of "Manifest Destiny," Trump asserted that the United States would retake the canal, a vital route for global shipping.
While Trump did not offer specifics on the timing or method of reclaiming the canal, which is within the sovereign territory of a U.S. ally, he has previously hinted at the potential military intervention, prompting criticism from both friends and foes in Latin America.
Trump also reiterated accusations against Panama for allegedly reneging on commitments made during the canal's final transfer in 1999 and for allegedly allowing China to control its operation, claims vehemently denied by the Panamanian government.
Speaking on X, Mulino emphasized Panama's responsible management of the canal for international trade, including the United States, and affirmed its Panamanian sovereignty.
During the WEF session, Mulino reiterated the government's stance, dismissing Trump's statements as false and confirming Panama's ownership and control over the Panama Canal.
Mulino clarified, "The Panama Canal was not a concession or a gift from the United States," highlighting its establishment through a series of treaties dating back to 1903.
Although the United States oversaw the construction and administration of the canal and its surrounding areas for many years, a duo of agreements signed in 1977 between the U.S. and Panama paved the way for the full transfer of the canal's operations back to Panama. This transfer was completed in 1999 following a period of joint management.