Panama President Jose Raul Mulino categorically excluded the possibility of negotiations with American President Donald Trump or with representatives of his administration on the topic of control over the Panama Canal. He confirmed that on weekends he would meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the parties will discuss other topics.

Mr. Mulino reported this during the last press conference. The Panamanian leader clarified that for dialogue with Rubio there are enough "

" This topic is closed. The channel belongs to Panama, ”said Mr. Mulino.

The Panama President emphasized that "

Jose Raul Mulino noted that during a meeting with Rubio he wants to concentrate on the topics of migrants and the spread of drugs.

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The channel connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and plays a key role in international trade flows. It is operated by the Office of the Panama Canal - an autonomous agency controlled by the Government of Panama.

The United States built a canal at the beginning of the 20th century and transferred control over it to Panama - but this happened in 1999.

At the same time, Trump did not rule out that the United States can use economic and military methods to regain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.