Panama marked the 25th anniversary of taking full control of the Panama Canal, celebrating a quarter-century of Panamanian stewardship over this vital global waterway.
The Panama Canal, inaugurated by the United States in 1914, was under U.S. control for nearly a century until the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed on September 7, 1977. These treaties, signed by Panama's General Omar Torrijos and then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, concluded 85 years of U.S. administration of the Panama Canal Zone.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized the nation's commitment during the celebrations, stating, \"These 25 years of Panamanian administration have worked on a common goal: to fulfill the national commitment to a safe and continuous operation for the world.\" He added, \"This canal has to be and has to continue to be the canal of our Panamanians, for Panamanians, at the world's service but above all for Panamanians mainly.\"
The official handover of the canal from the United States to Panama took place on December 31, 1999, with then-President Mireya Mosco overseeing the transition. Since then, Panama has overseen significant developments, including the expansion of the canal and the construction of the Third Set of Locks, which began operating in 2016.
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales highlighted the impressive achievements made under Panamanian management, underscoring the canal's role in facilitating global trade and enhancing Panama's economic standing.
In a heartfelt moment during the ceremony, Miguel Guerra, the first Panamanian hired by the Panama Canal following its historic handover in 1999, was honored with Panama's Order of Vasco Nunez de Balboa by President Mulino, recognizing his contributions to the canal's legacy.
As Panama celebrates this significant milestone, the nation continues to focus on maintaining the canal's operations and exploring future enhancements to ensure its pivotal role in international commerce remains robust for years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
