The United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, applauded that this country was the first in this hemisphere to leave the Silk Road.

Cabrera’s publication on his social network X came after the United States Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs recognized Panama’s recent official withdrawal from the Silk Road, Panama leaves China’s Silk Road.

President José Raúl Mulino announced on February 2 during the visit of the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, his decision not to renew the agreement with the People’s Republic of China.

Panama and the People’s Republic of China signed that document in November 2017, after they decided to establish diplomatic relations in the administration of former President Juan Carlos Varela, Panama leaves China’s Silk Road.

Mulino revealed that he would let that agreement expire during his appearance before the media after meeting for more than an hour with Rubio at the Palacio de las Garzas.

According to the U.S. Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, that measure reflects “our shared commitment to transparency, sovereignty and sustainable growth.”

Panama was the first Latin American country to join the China initiative, which is an emblem of President Xi Jinping’s government.

China’s policy, launched by Xi in 2013, is to provide funds for large infrastructure projects. Currently, more than 100 countries are part of this initiative, Panama leaves China’s Silk Road.