An important topic of discussion was the management of revenues from the oil and gas sector. According to BIS, Bouva emphasised the importance of targeted foreign investment, the expansion of trade relations and economic diversification. In view of developments in Suriname’s oil and gas sector, the minister also pointed to the need for a long-term vision, in which sustainability plays an important role.
Ambassador Novruz shared Azerbaijan’s experiences with managing oil and gas revenues during the meeting. Attention was also given to the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), Azerbaijan’s sovereign wealth fund.
The fund was established to responsibly manage oil and gas revenues and serves, among other things, as a savings and stabilisation fund. It is intended to contribute to financial stability and sustainable economic development. Azerbaijan’s experiences may be relevant to Suriname in shaping policy concerning future revenues from its own oil and gas industry.
Also attention for education and diplomatic cooperation
In addition to economic cooperation, both parties discussed opportunities for knowledge exchange and education. Scholarships, academic cooperation and strengthening ties between diplomatic training institutes were addressed.
Specifically, possible cooperation between ADA University in Azerbaijan and the Surinaams Diplomateninstituut (SDI) was discussed. This could create opportunities for training and further professionalisation within the diplomatic service.
International climate issues were also on the agenda. In the run-up to the COP31 climate conference, Bouva and Novruz exchanged views on developments in the field of climate change and the importance of closer cooperation within international organisations and multilateral consultation platforms.
The ministry did not disclose whether concrete agreements were concluded during the meeting or which follow-up steps are expected in the short term.
