Singapore Joins Panama Canal Neutrality Pact
Singapore will join an international agreement to observe and respect the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, enhancing maritime security and bilateral cooperation with Panama. The move signals Singapore's commitment to maritime safety and security, and to upholding freedom of navigation through the waterway.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Singapore has decided to accede to the protocol to the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said on October 5.
The treaty establishes a regime of permanent neutrality over the Panama Canal, which means the waterway will remain open for the peaceful transit of vessels of all nations in times of peace and war.
President Tharman made the announcement during a state banquet hosted in honour of Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who was on a three-day state visit to Singapore from October 3 to 5.
The visit was the first by a Panamanian head of state to Singapore in 10 years, and marked a significant strengthening of ties between the two countries.
Singapore and Panama will also negotiate a bilateral mutual legal assistance agreement to better tackle transborder crime, President Tharman said.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino's visit to Singapore was followed by a four-day official visit to Vietnam, where he aimed to attract investments and strengthen alliances in the maritime, aerospace, technology, commercial, energy and agricultural sectors.
Forty-one states, including France, Germany, and the UK, have already acceded to the protocol to the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal.
Key facts
- Singapore to join international agreement on Panama Canal neutrality
- Agreement aims to enhance maritime security and bilateral cooperation with Panama
- Singapore and Panama to negotiate bilateral mutual legal assistance agreement
- Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino made a three-day state visit to Singapore
Three perspectives
Neutral
The move is seen as a significant development in Singapore's relations with Panama, and is expected to enhance maritime security and cooperation between the two countries. The Panama Canal is a critical waterway that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and its neutrality is crucial for global trade. The agreement is likely to have implications for regional trade and security.
Positive
Singapore's decision to join the international agreement on Panama Canal neutrality is a positive step towards enhancing maritime security and cooperation with Panama. The move demonstrates Singapore's commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and international law, and is likely to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Negative
Some may view Singapore's decision to join the agreement as a response to growing strategic competition between the US and China in the region. The Panama Canal has been a point of contention between the two powers, and Singapore's move may be seen as taking sides. However, President Tharman's announcement emphasized the importance of upholding international law and freedom of navigation.
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