The Alfaro Agreement, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Panama, was signed on September 7, 1955. The agreement, officially known as the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, established Panama’s permanent neutrality and gave the United States the right to defend the canal in case of a threat to its security.

The agreement was signed in the wake of heightened tensions during the Cold War, as the United States sought to secure its strategic interests in Central America. The Panama Canal, which opened in 1914 after years of construction by the United States, was a key asset in American military and commercial operations.

The Alfaro Agreement effectively declared that Panama would remain a neutral state and that the United States would be responsible for the canal’s defense. The agreement also provided for the establishment of a joint defense board, which would oversee the combined defense efforts of the United States and Panama.

The agreement was seen as a major victory for Panama’s sovereignty, as it reduced the country’s dependence on the United States and established a framework for cooperation between the two nations. It also paved the way for the eventual return of the canal to Panama in 1999, as mandated by the Torrijos–Carter Treaties of 1977.

From an SEO perspective, the Alfaro Agreement is an important historical event that may have relevance for those researching the history of U.S.-Panama relations or the development of the Panama Canal. By including relevant keywords in an article about the Alfaro Agreement, such as “Panama Canal,” “Cold War,” “joint defense board,” or “Torrijos-Carter Treaties,” it may be possible to improve the article’s visibility in search engine results pages and attract more readers.