Panama City (TDI): The Panama government stated on Friday that unexpected modifications in President Trump’s schedule prompted the much-anticipated phone call between the President of the United States Donald Trump and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino to be delayed. Panama’s foreign office will schedule and communicate a new date for the discussion when it is ready. The planned call was scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m. local time.
Growing tensions between Washington and Panama over the strategically significant Panama Canal are the reason for the delay. Recently, American authorities made a statement that U.S. government vessels would be permitted to pass via the canal without any charge.
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In response to this, Mulino publicly denounced the U.S. administration for disseminating “lies and falsehoods.” The president of Panama has also categorically denied claims that China has military control over the canal.
Mulino has reaffirmed Panama’s control over the canal and rejected outside efforts that could undermine it.
In addition to this, Panama’s recent decision to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative has added to the diplomatic strain. Mulino stated that Panama would not renew its involvement in the Beijing-led global infrastructure development program after the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the country.
Although the US welcomed the decision, Panama has insisted that the action was taken not in response to pressure from the United States.
La comunicación telefónica entre el presidente de Panamá, @JoseRaulMulino , y el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, fue pospuesta este viernes por cambios de última hora en la agenda del mandatario estadounidense, según comunicó a la Cancillería panameña funcionarios… pic.twitter.com/19IdAfyeG5
— Astrid Salazar (@as_salazar) February 7, 2025
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Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized Beijing’s ongoing commitment to its diplomatic and economic ties with Panama, expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s decision to withdraw. He reiterated China’s long-term cooperation with Panama and urged it to keep itself of outside influence.
With the Panama Canal at the core of ongoing talks, both countries are expected to seek clarification on important regional problems as diplomatic efforts continue. The White House has not yet released an announcement regarding the new date for the postponed conversation.
