Panama President: No negotiations for Panama Canal sovereignty

MEXICO CITY - Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said negotiating for sovereignty over the Panama Canal was impossible, following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the country.

"Regarding the canal issue, it is impossible. I cannot negotiate, let alone start a negotiation process regarding the canal. The canal is closed, it belongs to Panama," Mulino said at a press conference on Thursday.

Rubio is expected to arrive in Panama on February 1, but the subject of the talks has not been officially announced. Mulino said he himself still does not know the purpose of Rubio's visit.

But the Panamanian president hopes to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the US on combating drugs, which is a major expense for the country.

On January 20, in his inaugural address, US President Donald Trump wanted the US to regain control of the Panama Canal, which he said was handed over to Panama but is allegedly operated by China.

He also accused Panama of overcharging US vessels, including US navy vessels.

Mulino rejected Trump's claim that the canal should belong to the US.

The Panama Canal connects the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It shortens the sailing time for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and serves as an important international waterway.