April 8, 2025
International
International
MANILA, April 8 — A volcano in central Philippines erupted early this morning, spewing an ash plume 4,000 metres (2.5 miles) into the air and triggering recommendations for school closures in nearby areas.
PANAMA CITY, April 6 — Panama is seeking to uphold a “respectful” relationship with the United States, even as President Donald Trump continues to threaten a U.S. takeover of the Panama Canal, Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha said yesterday.
His remarks come ahead of next week’s visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a trip made more pressing amid Trump’s repeated threats and claims of Chinese interference in the canal's operations.
Martinez-Acha, in a post on X, said he had a cordial and constructive call on Friday with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, where they discussed issues such as illegal migration, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
“I reaffirmed that all cooperation from Panama will operate within the framework of our constitution, our laws, and the Canal Neutrality Treaty,” he wrote. “Our relationship with the U.S. must remain respectful, transparent, and mutually beneficial.”
According to the U.S. State Department, Landau thanked Panama for its cooperation in curbing illegal migration, noting that joint efforts had led to a nearly 98 percent decrease in unlawful crossings through the Darien jungle — a key route for northbound migrants.
Martinez-Acha also noted that the two discussed the recent sale of port concessions at both ends of the canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to U.S. asset management firm BlackRock. Panama’s comptroller has been auditing Hutchison since January.
The State Department also acknowledged Panama’s efforts to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the region.
While the deal was scheduled to be finalized on April 2, it has been delayed pending an investigation by Chinese regulators.
The Panama Canal, used by both the U.S. and China — its two biggest users — accounts for roughly five percent of global maritime trade, making it a key strategic and economic asset. Originally inaugurated by the U.S. in 1914, the canal has been under Panamanian control since 1999. — AFP
