Suriname and Panama want to strengthen their cooperation in the areas of trade, air connectivity and climate. President Jennifer Simons and her Panamanian counterpart José Raúl Mulino Quintero discussed this during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The foreign ministers of both countries signed a memorandum for regular political consultations.
According to Simons, the agreement provides a permanent channel for discussing bilateral, regional and international issues. She described the relationship with Panama as warm and constructive and said that Suriname wants to further develop it.
The president pointed to the importance of the air connection between Paramaribo and Panama City. Suriname sees this route as a gateway to other countries in the Americas. According to Simons, the connection can be better utilised for trade, tourism, investment, freight transport and contacts between businesses.
Easier travel was also discussed. Simons reported that Suriname has completed the parliamentary procedures for an agreement on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports. In addition, a proposal to abolish visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports was discussed. Formalities still need to be completed for both arrangements.
In the area of climate, Suriname and Panama want to cooperate more closely within the G-Zero alliance, in which Bhutan and Madagascar also participate. Simons argued for establishing joint priorities and seeking support from other countries, including for fairer access to climate financing.
According to the president, the task now is to translate the good diplomatic relations into concrete results for the populations of both countries.
