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State Dept says US government vessels can now transit Panama Canal without fees

The U.S. State Department announced on February 6, 2025, that U.S. government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without paying fees, following a decision by the Panamanian government. This exemption, which was part of a 1903 treaty between the U.S. and Panama, had been suspended in 2006 but has now been reinstated. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill and aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The exemption applies to vessels owned or operated by the U.S. government, including military ships, and is expected to facilitate smoother operations for U.S. naval and other official transits through this critical maritime route.

Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/state-dept-says-us-government-vessels-can-now-transit-panama-canal-without-fees-2025-02-06/ ]