Panama has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump's "worrying" threat to seize the Panama Canal, even as it launched an audit of the Hong Kong-linked operator of two ports on the interoceanic waterway.

Panama sends formal letter to UN rejecting Trump’s remarks about retaking Panama Canal, citing UN rules against threats to sovereignty - Anadolu Ajansı

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino ruled out discussing control of the Panama Canal with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he visits the Central American country. "I cannot negotiate and much less open a process of negotiation on the Canal," Mulino said during his weekly press conference, saying the matter is "sealed."

Panama rejects President Donald Trump's pledge that the United States would be 'taking back' the Panama Canal, saying the key interoceanic waterway would remain under its control.

The United Nations has expressed concerns over remarks by US President Donald Trump that the United States will reclaim the Panama Canal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's first stop this weekend will be Panama City as Trump' administration shifts back Washington's focus to Latin America.

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) -Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out discussing control over the Panama Canal in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is set to visit the Central American country in his first official trip abroad this weekend.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is headed to Panama as part of his first international trip in his new role. President Trump made it clear he wants the U.S. to control the heavily used Panama Canal, a move the Panamanian government strongly opposes.