Suriname and the Netherlands seek faster results on visas, cooperation and slavery fund

This was discussed on Monday, September 21, 2026, during bilateral consultations in New York between Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation and his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The Dutch government confirms that Berendsen is in New York this week for the UN assembly and is holding several bilateral meetings there.

An important topic was the visa procedure for Surinamese citizens travelling to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries. Suriname continues to seek exemption from the Schengen visa requirement. According to the Surinamese government, the Netherlands has indicated that it wants to support this process.

Bouva also asked for improvements that can be implemented in the shorter term. These include faster processing of visa applications and the possibility of issuing visas with a longer validity period. Technical consultations must determine which adjustments are possible.

Further implementation of state visit agreements

The meeting also discussed the further implementation of agreements made around the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Suriname. According to Bouva, Suriname wants to further develop its relationship with the Netherlands on the basis of equality, mutual respect and trust.

The Fonds Slavernijverleden was also discussed. Suriname wants clarity on the management and spending of available funds, so that, according to the government, they can actually be used for recovery and healing.

Both countries also want to expand technical cooperation. The areas mentioned are education, healthcare, water management and digitalisation.

More trade and investment

Economic cooperation was also on the agenda. Suriname wants more contacts between Surinamese and Dutch companies, more trade missions and greater mutual investment.

According to the Surinamese government, opportunities exist in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics and water management, among other areas. This cooperation must contribute to economic diversification and sustainable development.

The consultations are part of a series of contacts between the two governments. Bouva and Berendsen held their first meeting in March this year, during which further bilateral cooperation and working arrangements between the two countries were already discussed.

Paramaribo’s objective is for the improved relationship with the Netherlands not to remain limited to diplomatic consultations, but to lead to concrete results for citizens and businesses in both countries.