Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks soon on his inaugural trip as the United States’ top diplomat. His first stop, Panama could prove to be the most contentious on the itinerary.

Russia warned President Trump on Tuesday against seizing the Panama Canal, after he reiterated his intent to take control of the strategic waterway in his second inaugural address Monday. “We expect that during the expected discussions between the leadership of Panama and US President Donald Trump on issues of control over the Panama Canal,

Trump has repeatedly threatened to take ownership of the critical maritime trade route — which the U.S. signed over to Panama in 1977 — calling it “vital” to American interests and refusing to rule out using military force in pursuit of his goal.

Panama President José Raúl Mulino says there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal

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.

Ahead of his visit to Panama, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S.'s interest in the Panama Canal will be discussed even if the country's president doesn't want to. "We're going to address that topic,

I cannot negotiate, let alone open a process of negotiation regarding the canal, - said Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday, shortly before the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.