Panama marks 20 years in charge of the Canal

CUNDINAMARCA, Colombia 

Panama commemorates Tuesday, 20 years of the national administration of the Panama Canal, an historical event that marked the country’s economy, as the interoceanic way contributes 6% of its national GDP.

On Dec. 31, 1999, the U.S. handed over control of the Canal to the Central American country, as established in the Torrijos-Carter Treaty and the Panamanian flag flew alone for the first time on the interoceanic passage.

The current government of Laurentino Cortizo commemorated 20 years of control over the canal with official acts and speeches.