Suriname government hopes for positive results from US talks

Suriname: The government is looking forward to the positive results to come from the talks currently underway in the United States of America under the leadership of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. “The talks should bear fruit,” said Secretary of State Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, who is part of the government delegation in New York. He believes it is important to do the preparatory work for the president. The minister explains that the discussions consist of three components. “First of all, we would like to emphasize that Suriname once again belongs to the row of nations in which democracy, the rule of law, independent judiciary, good governance and human rights are standing. Suriname must again become one of the countries in the world that have these factors as values ​​and standards," the minister adds. According to him, the government wants to change what the world knows about Suriname because of the media.

The second component is that the government wants to conduct political consultations in various areas for its foreign policy. This concerns important aspects that can influence life in Suriname. Minister Ramdin mentions, among other things, Covid-19, climate change and its effects, as well as trade relations. The minister emphasizes that trade will become more expensive, because container costs are rising. These matters require a solution, in which the Surinamese interest comes first.

Minister Ramdin: “It is ultimately about doing business with the world. We encourage people to invest. The people are invited to seriously consider the possibilities and investment options for the development of the country. This mainly concerns the forthcoming oil and gas exploitation. However, the agricultural sector, tourism and aviation should not be forgotten. The government official, emphasizing these components, says that once they are understood and willing to support them, talks will continue at the highest political or presidential level to complete matters.

The mission with the government delegation has so far seen some highlights. On Monday, September 20, 2021, President Santokhi made preparations for bilateral talks and his address to the United Nations (UN). On Tuesday 21 September, the head of state will attend a reception by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Surinamese head of state will then attend the general discussion, with speeches by, among others, the heads of government of Brazil and the US. Also on the agenda are talks with the UN chief, government officials, the president of the General Assembly and a representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

President Santokhi will also have bilateral meetings with government officials from other countries present. At ministerial level, talks have already taken place with Panama, Bhutan, Colombia and Chile. On Wednesday September 22, around 1 pm, the Surinamese head of state will give the formal speech during the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). After the meeting in Mexico with Latin American heads of state, the speech to the world community is the most important moment for Suriname, according to Minister Ramdin. The minister also hopes to meet representatives of other countries during the UN meeting that may be important in further strengthening Suriname's position in the world. “But even more to support Suriname in its process of recovery, stabilization and growth”.