VHP parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi wants to know from the government whether Vice President Gregory Rusland has been authorised by President Jennifer Simons to hold talks with Dutch King Willem-Alexander on behalf of Suriname. He is also requesting a copy of UNESCO’s invitation, on the basis of which the vice president travelled to the Netherlands. The government has pledged to respond to the questions in writing and in detail.
The matter was raised on Tuesday, October 27, during a meeting of De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament), where several parliamentarians asked questions about official foreign trips by government officials.
Minister of Home Affairs Marinus Bee, who acted as government coordinator, stated that Vice President Rusland is travelling to the Netherlands at UNESCO’s invitation to participate in an international conference. During his stay, the vice president would also hold talks with various parties, possibly including the Dutch king.
Jogi seeks clarity on authority
According to Jogi, it is important for parliament to gain insight into the official invitation and the authority under which the vice president conducts foreign talks.
He pointed out that, according to his interpretation of the Constitution, the president is responsible for Suriname’s foreign policy. He therefore wants to know whether Rusland has expressly been granted permission to speak with the Dutch head of state on behalf of the government.
Jogi also asked what other talks the vice president will hold during his visit and in what capacity he will act.
The parliamentarian stressed that Rusland fulfils various functions and responsibilities. According to him, it must be clear whether the vice president acts on behalf of the Surinamese government at such meetings or in another capacity.
Government promises written explanation
Minister Bee responded by stressing that government officials do not travel abroad without the president’s permission.
According to the minister, parliament must assume that official foreign trips by government officials take place with the knowledge and permission of the head of state.
However, Bee did not provide a separate answer to the question of whether Rusland has specifically been authorised to hold talks with King Willem-Alexander on behalf of the government.
He pledged that the government will respond to the questions raised in writing and in detail.
UNESCO conference in The Hague
The vice president is travelling to the Netherlands for the fifth UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, which will take place in The Hague on October 29 and 30, 2026.
The international gathering focuses on combating racism and discrimination and on translating international agreements into concrete policy measures.
King Willem-Alexander will attend the opening of the forum on Thursday, October 29. According to the Dutch Royal House, he will also speak with several international participants about tackling racism and discrimination. A separate meeting with Vice President Rusland has not yet been publicly confirmed by the Royal House.
According to the information the government provided to parliament, contacts with the business community and the Surinamese diaspora community are also on the agenda during the visit to the Netherlands.
Accountability for official foreign trips
Jogi’s questions tie in with a broader discussion in parliament about the provision of information concerning official foreign trips by government officials.
Parliamentarians have repeatedly called for timely information on travel purposes, programmes and the results of official visits.
The promised written response should clarify which talks the vice president will hold in the Netherlands, what authority has been granted for them, and what agreements may be made on behalf of Suriname.
