The strategic importance of the Panama Canal to global trade was reaffirmed during recent diplomatic discussions between Panama and Mexico. On March 10, 2025, Panama's Chancellor, Javier Martínez-Acha, met his Mexican counterpart, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, to address key issues on their bilateral agenda, emphasizing human mobility, trade, regional geopolitics, and infrastructure projects.
Martínez-Acha appreciated President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's support for Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. He expressed gratitude during their talks, highlighting how Mexico is one of the main users of this pivotal interoceanic route. The conversation, which included Raquel Serur, the Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Panama’s ambassador to Mexico, Abraham Martínez, aimed to strengthen comprehensive human mobility initiatives ensuring safe and orderly migration.
Both diplomats acknowledged the need for initiatives promoting dialogue and strengthening multilateralism on international platforms. Mexico welcomed Panama's proposal to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress, which took place from June 22 to July 15, 1826. This congress, initiated by the South American liberator Simón Bolívar, was aimed at fostering unity among Latin American nations against colonial threats from Europe and the United States.
Martínez-Acha reiterated the importance of Panama hosting the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) scheduled for 2026. The significance of such discussions and events cannot be understated, as they showcase the growing cooperation between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the administrator of the Panama Canal, Ricaurte Vásquez, emphasized the canal's global relevance, stating on the same day, "The crisis generated by Trump's announcements to take control of the interoceanic route is an opportunity to provide confidence to our clients." His comments were made amid controversy surrounding former President Trump's statements about the canal, which he had claimed was being handed over to Chinese interests.
Vásquez highlighted how the canal's expansion—completed in 2016 and costing over $5.5 billion—has dramatically increased its income and strategic value, reaffirming its role as a significant route for world commerce.
"The canal is Panama," he firmly stated, countering Trump’s narrative and emphasizing the integral nature of the canal to national identity and pride. Notably, the U.S. remains the primary user of this route and is also Panama's largest political and commercial partner.
Trump's campaign has questioned the management of the canal, citing concerns about its linkage to Chinese-owned CK Hutchison, which operates two of the five ports encircling the canal. Recently, CK Hutchison announced plans to sell its concession to a consortium comprising BlackRock and TiL, with the deal worth $22 billion, covering over 40 ports across twenty countries.
During these discussions, President José Raúl Mulino of Panama firmly asserted, "The canal is Panamanian and will remain so, as it is part of the history of our struggle and is an irreversible conquest of our people." This reiteration of sovereignty is particularly poignant against the backdrop of Trump's rhetoric, which has sparked controversy and concern.
On the ground, the Panamanian leadership continues to reaffirm their commitment to both their trade relationships and their sovereignty over the canal, showcasing the strategic importance of this route not just to Panama, but to global commerce as well. The recent dialogues and negotiations reinforce the bonds between Mexico and Panama, aiming at collaborative efforts to bolster economic partnerships, and navigate geopolitical challenges together.
Both nations seem dedicated to transforming potential conflicts over the canal's management and geopolitical issues surrounding it, viewing them as opportunities for strengthening trade ties and diplomatic relations. These efforts highlight the canal's role not only as a corridor for goods but as a symbol of unity and international cooperation.
Looking forward, the emphasis on infrastructure projects, human mobility, and regional cooperation suggests both countries are preparing for future challenges, fostering relationships based on mutual respect and strategic interest. The discussions held on March 10 will likely be pivotal as they look toward international gatherings, particularly the OAS assembly, and their preparations to commemorate historical initiatives aimed at regional unity.