(CLO) US President Donald Trump has postponed his phone call with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino due to last-minute changes in his schedule, according to a recent announcement from the Panamanian Government .
The delay comes amid heightened tensions over US claims of a possible takeover of the Panama Canal. Panama's foreign ministry said it would provide details on a new date for the call once it is rescheduled.
US President Donald Trump. Photo: WH
President Mulino accused the US administration of spreading “lies and untruths” after Washington said its government ships could pass through the Panama Canal without paying a toll. He also denied that China controlled the canal and had troops stationed there.
The Panama Canal is currently managed and operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous body under the supervision of the Government of Panama.
The two leaders were originally scheduled to speak at 3:30 p.m. local time on Friday.
Following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Mulino announced that Panama would not renew its agreement to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative, a large-scale infrastructure development program.
Relations between the United States and Panama are becoming more tense after President Trump announced his intention to "take back" the Panama Canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999. This announcement was met with strong opposition from Panama, with President Mulino asserting that the canal is the sovereign property of the country of Panama.
Separately, the Panamanian government has initiated legal proceedings to review its contract with a Hong Kong company that operates two key ports on the canal, amid US pressure on Panama to curb China's influence in the region.
Cao Phong (according to The Guardian, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-hoan-cuoc-dien-dam-voi-tong-thong-panama-vi-cang-thang-ve-kenh-dao-post333586.html
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