Panama's Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Guevara Mann, addressed the OAS General Assembly on May 5th, 2024, seeking the organization's unwavering support for Panama's sovereign rights over the Panama Canal. He emphasized that the Canal is an inalienable asset of the Panamanian state, crucial for global trade and international navigation.
Guevara Mann's statement strongly advocated for multilateralism, warning against the dangers of unilateral actions, especially their disproportionate impact on less-developed nations. He highlighted that these actions weaken the inter-American system and negatively affect the region's populations. Panama's commitment to multilateralism is further demonstrated by its offer to host the 2026 OAS General Assembly and its proposal to declare the following year as the Bicentennial Year of the Amphitheatric Congress of Panama.
The statement marked the 25th anniversary of Panama's administration of the Canal, reiterating its status as an inalienable Panamanian asset. It is presented as crucial for global trade and international shipping.