The Panama Canal Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Sovereignty

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The Panama Canal Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Sovereignty

 December 5, 2024

Panama City, Panama: The Panama Canal is a symbol of sovereignty and pride for Panamanians. Its history is marked by a series of momentous events that reflect the struggle for autonomy and the achievements in its administration under Panamanian hands.  Below are the most important dates related to the reversal and evolution of this emblematic work:

January 9, 1964: Fight For Sovereignty

This day, known as the “Day of the Martyrs,” marked a crucial moment in the struggle for Panama’s sovereignty. The clashes between Panamanian students and U.S. troops in defense of the right to raise the Panamanian flag in the former Canal Zone left a deep mark on the country’s history.

September 7, 1977: Signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties

The signing of this historic agreement was a decisive step towards the reversal of the Canal. Under the leadership of General Omar Torrijos and US President Jimmy Carter, a timetable was established to transfer the administration of the Canal from the United States to Panama, guaranteeing its sovereignty over this important waterway.

September 20, 1990: First Panamanian administrator of the Canal

Engineer Gilberto Guardia became the first Panamanian appointed as administrator of the Panama Canal Commission, a significant event that symbolized the beginning of national leadership in the management of this vital infrastructure.

December 31, 1999: The dream comes true

This date marked the culmination of decades of struggle and negotiation. The Panama Canal officially came under Panamanian administration, consolidating full sovereignty over its territory and resources.

September 3, 2007: Start of the Canal expansion

With the start of construction of the new locks, the Panama Canal was prepared to face the challenges of global trade. This ambitious project allowed the passage of larger vessels and strengthened Panama’s position as a key hub for international trade.

August 14, 2014: Centennial of the Panama Canal

The Canal celebrated 100 years of existence, consolidating itself as a pillar of the world economy and a source of national pride. This date served to reflect on its historical impact and its importance in the development of the country.

June 26, 2016: Inauguration of the new locks

The Agua Clara and Cocolí locks, inaugurated on this date, marked the beginning of a new era for the Canal, allowing the transit of Neopanamax vessels and further transforming global trade.

2020: Record traffic

Despite global challenges, the Canal achieved a record 13,369 vessel transits, reaffirming its strategic relevance in international trade. These key dates not only represent historical milestones, but also the effort and vision of the Panamanian people to turn the Canal into a symbol of autonomy, innovation and development. 

https://newsroompanama.com/2024/12/05/the-panama-canal-celebrates-its-25th-anniversary/

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The Day Panama Recovered the Canal: 25 Years of the Historic Exchange of Notes

 December 24, 2024

This December, the Panama Canal recalled how 25 years ago the exchange of notes was carried out that formalized the transfer of the Panama Canal, thus complying with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.  Through its social networks, the Panama Canal Authority reported that former United States President Jimmy Carter signed the exchange agreement on December 14, 1999, which was received by the then President of Panama, Mireya Moscoso.  The formal ceremony took place at the Miraflores locks and the document indicated that, at noon on December 31, 1999, the interoceanic route and all its assets would officially pass into Panamanian hands. The event was attended by leaders and representatives of the region, as witnesses to the exchange of notes, such as the then King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Ernesto Zedillo (Mexico), Andrés Pastrana (Colombia), Hugo Banzer (Bolivia), Raúl Alfonsín (Argentina), among others. This event not only fulfilled a long-awaited dream of our people, but also initiated a new era of sovereignty and national pride. Today, 25 years later, we celebrate this legacy of autonomy and progress, remembering that exchange that transformed the future of our country.

Historical milestones

• December 31, 1999: Panama assumes administration of the Canal.
• October 22, 2006: Panamanians decide, by referendum, to expand the Canal.
• September 3, 2007: Construction of the expanded Canal officially begins.
• September 4, 2010: Bulk carrier Fortune Plum becomes the one millionth transit through the Canal.
• July 14, 2011: First emptying in the new locks of the Panama Canal.
• June 9, 2016: Test vessel Baroque passes through the new Atlantic locks.
• June 26, 2016: Inauguration of the expanded Canal.
• May 14, 2018: The largest cruise ship to date, Norwegian Bliss, sails with more than 168,000 gross tons and capacity for nearly 5,000 passengers.
• May 15, 2019: The Triton vessel became the largest ship to ever pass through the expanded Panama Canal. The ship carries 15,313 TEUs (20-foot containers).
• August 2, 2019: The Panama Canal inaugurates the Atlantic Bridge, which now holds the world record as the largest four-lane concrete cable-stayed bridge with the longest visible span at 530 meters.
• August 27, 2019: The Panama Canal inaugurates its first interactive center in Santiago de Veraguas, as a vehicle to engage Panamanians, mainly students, with the canal, its history, operation and impact for the country and the world.
• December 14, 2019: The container ship APL Barcelona becomes the 8,000th neopanamax vessel to transit the expanded Canal.

https://newsroompanama.com/2024/12/24/the-day-panama-recovered-the-canal-25-years-of-the-historic-exchange-of-notes/