The Panama Canal announces that a joint declaration on security matters has been signed between the Minister for Canal Affairs of Panama and the United States Secretary of Defense.
The declaration reaffirms respect for, and the recognition of, Panamanian sovereignty over the interoceanic waterway, as well as compliance with the Neutrality Treaty and the legal framework governing its operation, comprised of the corresponding constitutional title, the said Treaty, and the Organic Law of the Canal.
The declaration also states that efforts will be made develop a mechanism which will allow compensation for services provided to warships and auxiliary vessels, seeking a cost-neutral basis. This mechanism will be evaluated jointly with the Ministry of Security of Panama.
Within the framework of this declaration, the existing cooperation with the United States Department of Defense is highlighted in areas such as engineering, security, and cybersecurity, which will also be part of the analysis to define the compensation. The declaration constitutes a first step in establishing this model, which will be developed in later stages.