Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) held talks with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The longstanding ties between Suriname and Cuba were central to the discussion.
Minister Bouva expressed his appreciation for cooperation in various areas, including the deployment of Cuban professionals and training opportunities for Surinamese students. The minister proposed also exploring opportunities for training and knowledge exchange in agriculture, with attention to food security.
Minister Rodríguez explained the economic and energy challenges affecting the daily lives of the Cuban population. Opportunities for solar energy were also discussed. Minister Bouva emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in seeking solutions that benefit the population.
Migration and connectivity were also discussed. As chair of the CARICOM Council for Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Minister Bouva referred to regional concerns about the situation of the Cuban population and of students from CARICOM countries residing in Cuba.
The Surinamese minister emphasised the importance of peace and dialogue in the Caribbean region. It was made clear that Suriname attaches value to continuing contacts and cooperation that benefit people in both countries.
