Politico Reveals First International Travel Location of US Secretary of State
A man, a plan, a canal: Marco Rubio travels to Panama following Trump's threats of repossession. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Marco Rubio is preparing for his first international trip as US Secretary of State, with Panama on the itinerary, according to PMG. This visit could take place as soon as next week and follows President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to reclaim control of the canal, a crucial asset in the Western Hemisphere.
In addition to Panama, Rubio intends to visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic during the scheduled trip from late January to early February, as reported on Wednesday by sources within the US administration.
Trump has consistently expressed his desire to regain control of the canal, asserting that it is currently under Chinese influence. He reaffirmed this position during his inaugural speech on Monday.
Panama’s government has firmly opposed Trump’s statements, sending an official letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council to dispute Trump's claims. In the letter, President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized, “the canal is and will continue to be Panama’s,” according to the NYT. The correspondence references two articles of the UN charter that prohibit member states from using threats and force to compromise the “territorial integrity or political independence” of others.
The Panama Canal is a vital route for global shipping, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and facilitating approximately 6% of worldwide trade. Constructed by the United States in the early 20th century, the canal was handed over to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977.
The canal’s operations are managed by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous government entity, although a Chinese company, Hutchison Whampoa, has been in charge of two ports at either end of the canal since the late 1990s.
In addition to discussions about the Panama Canal, Rubio is expected to focus on addressing illegal migration during his trip to South America.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed Rubio’s travel plans on Wednesday, stating that engaging with America’s neighbors is “a vital element in addressing migration, supply chains and economic growth.”
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
In addition to Panama, Rubio intends to visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic during the scheduled trip from late January to early February, as reported on Wednesday by sources within the US administration.
Trump has consistently expressed his desire to regain control of the canal, asserting that it is currently under Chinese influence. He reaffirmed this position during his inaugural speech on Monday.
Panama’s government has firmly opposed Trump’s statements, sending an official letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council to dispute Trump's claims. In the letter, President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized, “the canal is and will continue to be Panama’s,” according to the NYT. The correspondence references two articles of the UN charter that prohibit member states from using threats and force to compromise the “territorial integrity or political independence” of others.
The Panama Canal is a vital route for global shipping, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and facilitating approximately 6% of worldwide trade. Constructed by the United States in the early 20th century, the canal was handed over to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977.
The canal’s operations are managed by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous government entity, although a Chinese company, Hutchison Whampoa, has been in charge of two ports at either end of the canal since the late 1990s.
In addition to discussions about the Panama Canal, Rubio is expected to focus on addressing illegal migration during his trip to South America.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed Rubio’s travel plans on Wednesday, stating that engaging with America’s neighbors is “a vital element in addressing migration, supply chains and economic growth.”
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
