Panama's president has ruled out any negotiations with the US over control of the Panama Canal

Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino said: "No discussion is planned on the issue of control of the Panama Canal with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is leaving for Panama."

Molino also once again denied US President Donald Trump's accusations that China controls the Panama Canal.

Earlier, responding to the US president's statement regarding ownership of the Panama Canal, Molino noted: "This canal is not a gift from the US that must be returned."

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Molino responded to Trump's statement, noting that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama.

He said: "Trump's claims contradict the principle of sovereignty and independence of countries. The US President's statements remind us of neo-colonialism, within the framework of which, by making unfounded and colonial demands, he is trying to expand American power in the world."