Past, present and future of the Panama Canal

Mr. Chair,

Ambassadors,

Mr. Secretary General,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank the Permanent Mission of Panama, and especially my colleague and friend, the extraordinary Ambassador María Roquebert León, for convening this special meeting, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Panama Canal, of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, and of contemporary multilateralism.

Because this matters not only to Panama and the United States; it matters also to the international system as a whole.

The Panama Canal, opened in 1914, is a masterpiece of engineering that has turned geography into opportunity, connecting two oceans and easing global trade and exchange. Yet its existence and operation were not free of controversy and conflict, especially with regard to the sovereignty and self-determination of the Panamanian people.

On September 7, 1977, in this Hall of the Americas, the Canal Treaties between the United States and Panama were signed. In that solemn act, which had the determined and decisive backing of the member countries of the Organization of American States, Omar Torrijos Herrera and Jimmy Carter set a definitive seal on the destiny of the interoceanic route.

First, allow me to speak of sovereignty. The transfer of the Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999, was an act of historical justice. That handover not only returned territorial sovereignty to Panama; it also served as an exemplary model of how nations can resolve complex disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

In a world where territorial conflicts are often settled by force and imposition, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties stand as a beacon of possibility and hope.

Second, the economic importance of the Canal cannot be overstated. Since its transfer, Panama has administered the Canal ably, contributing significantly to the economic development of the country and of the region. The Canal generates thousands of jobs and serves as an essential source of revenue for Panama. In addition, the expansion of the Canal, completed in 2016, has allowed the transit of larger vessels, which has had a positive impact on global trade.

Third, the treaties established a framework for the neutrality and operation of the Canal. The Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Canal guarantees that this strategic waterway remains open to all countries on equal terms, even in times of conflict. That neutrality is not only crucial for regional security and stability; it also sets a precedent for the management of other routes of international transit.

In the field of international relations, the treaties have had a lasting impact on multilateral diplomacy. The involvement of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in overseeing the transition and operation of the Canal shows the power of international cooperation to solve complex problems. Moreover, the peaceful transfer of the Canal improved the image of the United States in Latin America and the world, showing that mutual respect and equality are fundamental to a successful bilateral relationship.

It is also relevant to highlight the political legacy of these treaties. They are often cited as one of the most significant achievements of the Carter administration, and they have left a lasting legacy in the way questions of sovereignty and human rights are approached in international diplomacy. The negotiation and execution of the treaties have been studied in schools of law and international relations, serving as an exemplary case of successful diplomacy.

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties are much more than a set of bilateral agreements between Panama and the United States. They bear witness to the power of diplomacy, mutual respect and international cooperation. They turned a source of conflict into a symbol of unity and progress. They showed that when nations work together in a spirit of equality and respect, the greatest challenges can be overcome and turned into opportunities for all.

It is imperative to recognize the indomitable spirit and the dignity of the Panamanian people, whose qualities as a nation have been a source of inspiration for all of Latin America and beyond. The construction of the Panama Canal and the subsequent Torrijos-Carter Treaties are not only milestones of engineering and diplomacy but also evidence of the character, perseverance and vision of the Panamanian people. Faced with monumental challenges and a history of colonialism and inequality, Panamanians have shown an astonishing capacity to join forces in pursuit of a more just and prosperous future. Their commitment to self-determination and sovereignty has been a beacon of hope and a model for other nations seeking to transcend the limitations of the past and embrace a future of boundless possibility. In this sense, Panama has not only built a canal; it has forged a legacy of resilience and unity that resonates in the hearts of all peoples who aspire to self-determination and social justice.

We cannot speak of the Panama Canal and the Torrijos-Carter Treaties without paying solemn and profound tribute to the incalculable sacrifice of the Panamanians and of the thousands of migrants who took part in building this marvel of engineering. Those men and women, from many latitudes and cultural backgrounds, faced extreme conditions, disease and, in many cases, the loss of life, to raise a monument not only to human skill but also to the spirit of perseverance and courage. Their sacrifice, often eclipsed in historical and political narratives, is the backbone on which the greatness of the Canal rests. It is our ethical and moral responsibility to ensure that those lives and efforts are not rendered invisible or relegated to a mere footnote of history. They must be remembered as the true heroes of this epic, whose legacy transcends borders and generations. Their contribution not only made possible a global route of communication; it also left an indelible mark on the social and cultural fabric of Panama and of all the nations that benefit from this interoceanic passage. In this sense, the Panama Canal is more than a work of engineering; it is a living monument to human sacrifice and to diversity, and as such it must be venerated and respected.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, today we gather to remember a momentous episode in the history of Panama and, by extension, of all Latin America: the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. As Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Organization of American States, it is an honor and a privilege to speak before you on so significant a day.

Panamanian identity is a fascinating weave of stories, cultures and traditions that has evolved over the centuries. From its humble beginnings as a village of fishermen, through the complexities of colonization and the struggle for independence, to the sovereignty and self-determination symbolized by the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, each stage has helped to forge what we know today as Panamanian identity. This treaty was not only a diplomatic agreement; it was a reaffirmation of the dignity, the autonomy and the singularity of the Panamanian people.

What adds a still richer dimension to this identity is the ethnic and cultural diversity of which it is made. Panama is a crucible where many ethnicities and cultures coexist, each adding its grain of sand to the majestic mosaic that is the Panamanian nation. This diversity is not merely a demographic fact; it is a national treasure that enriches every aspect of life in Panama, from the arts and cuisine to politics and social life.

On this day of commemoration, therefore, we celebrate not only a diplomatic milestone but also the richness and complexity of Panamanian identity. From the Dominican Republic, a sister nation that has also struggled for its sovereignty and that deeply values its diversity, we see in the Panamanian people a reflection of our own aspirations and challenges. And so, while we honor the past, we also look to the future with hope and optimism, aware that the true greatness of a nation is measured not only by what it has achieved but also by what it aspires to be.

In this spirit, I wish to extend a heartfelt tribute and salute to the Panamanian people. You are the essence of this story of courage, diversity and unity. It is you who carry forward the legacy of those who fought for a free and sovereign Panama. It is an honor to share this moment with you and to celebrate the strength and resilience that characterize Panama and its people.

On this anniversary, let us celebrate not only the vision and courage of those who made these treaties possible, but also the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding they represent. May this legacy continue to inspire us to work together for a more just, peaceful and prosperous world.

Thank you very much.