The Panama Canal Authority has announced the signing of a joint declaration on security matters between the Minister for Canal Affairs of Panama and the United States Secretary of Defense. This move reinforces bilateral cooperation while firmly upholding Panama’s sovereignty over the strategic waterway.
Reaffirmation of Sovereignty and Neutrality
The declaration underscores a mutual commitment to:
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Respect Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal.
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Adhere to the Neutrality Treaty, which ensures the Canal remains open and secure for all nations in times of peace and war.
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Comply with the legal framework governing Canal operations, including Panama’s Constitutional Title, the Neutrality Treaty, and the Organic Law of the Canal.
Compensation Mechanism for Military Services
The agreement outlines plans to develop a compensation model for services provided to warships and auxiliary vessels, aiming for a cost-neutral approach.
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This mechanism will be evaluated in collaboration with Panama’s Ministry of Security.
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The goal is to establish a fair and sustainable system for military transit-related services.
Enhanced Cooperation in Security and Cybersecurity
The declaration also builds on existing cooperation between the Panama Canal Authority and the U.S. Department of Defense in the areas of:
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Engineering
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Security and defense planning
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Cybersecurity infrastructure
These areas will play a crucial role in shaping the future compensation mechanism and strengthening the strategic partnership.
The declaration serves as a first step toward a broader bilateral framework. Further phases will focus on defining technical and financial details of the compensation model, while continuing to safeguard Panama’s control over the Canal and its neutral, efficient operation for global maritime trade.
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Source: CANAL DE PANAMA
