---
title: "Singapore Joins Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty During Mulino Visit"
date: 2026-10-05
author: "Panama Daily News"
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/10/05/singapore-joins-panama-canal-neutrality-treaty-during-mulino-visit/
categories:
  - "Politics"
---

# Singapore Joins Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty During Mulino Visit

Singapore has officially announced its accession to the Protocol of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, delivering a diplomatic boost to Panama during President José Raúl Mulino’s official visit to the Asian city-state.

## What Happened

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the decision on Monday, October 5, during a bilateral meeting with Mulino. According to the Singaporean government, the move reflects the country’s commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the principles established in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Mulino welcomed the announcement and revealed that the two nations are working to establish a bilateral commission to develop projects of mutual interest.

The visit also produced a memorandum of understanding between SATS Ltd., a provider of air cargo handling and airline catering services, and Tocumen International Airport. The agreement will explore strategic collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening air cargo connectivity and supporting Panama’s development as a logistics platform for the Americas.

In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister Wong, Mulino met with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during the visit.

## Background

The Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed alongside the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, guarantees that the canal will remain neutral and open to vessels of all nations, whether in peace or war. Countries may formally adhere to the treaty’s protocol as a demonstration of their commitment to these principles.

Singapore’s accession carries particular weight. As one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs and a major shipping registry, Singapore depends heavily on open sea lanes and the rule of international maritime law — interests directly aligned with the treaty’s guarantees. Its decision to join echoes the reasoning it cited: maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The announcement builds on steady growth in the treaty’s support. In May, Panama raised the number of countries adhered to the protocol to 40, following the incorporation of Austria, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland.

## What This Means for Panama

Singapore becoming the 41st adherent strengthens the legal and diplomatic shield around the canal at a time when its neutrality has drawn renewed international attention. Each new adherent reinforces the global consensus that the waterway must remain open to all shipping on equal terms.

The planned bilateral commission opens a avenue for cooperation between two countries that share a common profile as logistics and trade hubs. Panama has long modeled aspects of its service economy on Singapore’s success as a global transshipment and financial center, making collaboration on shared projects a natural step.

The SATS–Tocumen memorandum also signals a push beyond maritime trade. Strengthening air cargo connectivity at Tocumen would support Panama’s ambitions to serve as a logistics platform for the Americas, diversifying the country’s role in global supply chains.

Observers will now watch for the formal completion of Singapore’s accession process, the makeup and first initiatives of the bilateral commission, and whether further nations follow Singapore’s lead in adhering to the neutrality protocol.

This story was originally reported by [La Prensa](https://www.prensa.com/politica/singapur-anuncia-su-adhesion-al-tratado-de-neutralidad-del-canal-de-panama/).