President Jennifer Simons held talks with her Venezuelan counterpart Delcy Rodríguez at the Presidential Palace on Friday, September 11. In addition to further cooperation between Suriname and Venezuela, the attachment of assets of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA in Suriname was also discussed.
During the talks, the historical ties between the two countries, humanitarian solidarity, political developments and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation were central.
Simons emphasised that Suriname and Venezuela have maintained a friendly relationship for more than fifty years, based on mutual respect and understanding. She again conveyed her condolences to the Venezuelan government and people over the earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.
The president wished Venezuela strength and resilience in its recovery and further national development.
New consultation meetings proposed
Political and social developments in Venezuela were also discussed. Simons indicated that Suriname continues to follow these closely. She welcomed Rodríguez’s vision of her country’s development opportunities and expressed hope that recovery and stabilisation would continue.
To further strengthen cooperation, Simons proposed holding meetings of the Suriname-Venezuela Political Consultation Mechanism and the Suriname-Venezuela Joint Commission in the first half of 2027.
According to the president, these consultation structures should contribute to more intensive political coordination and the expansion of technical cooperation between the two countries.
Attachment of PDVSA assets discussed
During the meeting, Simons also raised the issue concerning Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). It concerns an executory third-party attachment of assets of the Venezuelan state oil company in Suriname, in connection with the Petrocaribe compensation mechanism between the two countries.
According to the Surinamese president, the legal proceedings are still ongoing and there is no final court ruling. She asked Rodríguez about any recent developments from the Venezuelan government.
Simons stated that Suriname remains committed to a constructive and friendly solution to outstanding bilateral issues, with respect for the interests of both countries.
At the end of the talks, she expressed her appreciation for Rodríguez’s efforts to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Suriname and Venezuela.
