Torrijos-Carter Treaties

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977, were agreements between the United States and Panama concerning control of the Panama Canal. Named after Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the treaties established a timeline for the transfer of canal control from the U.S. to Panama, which was completed by December 31, 1999. These treaties aimed to improve relations between the two nations, address Panamanian sovereignty, and ensure the canal's continued neutrality for international shipping. They marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during the Cold War era.