During a meeting with the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the further strengthening of bilateral relations was central. Both officials discussed opportunities to intensify economic cooperation, with particular attention to trade, investment and socio-economic development.
The consultation followed their earlier meeting in September, during the United Nations General Assembly. At that time, it was agreed that various cooperation opportunities would be further developed.
Interest in Suriname’s oil and gas sector
An important part of the visit was the meeting between Bouva and Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and head of ADNOC, Abu Dhabi’s national oil company. During this meeting, possible cooperation in energy, oil and gas, technological development and investment was discussed.
According to the information provided, the UAE is interested in further cooperation with Suriname. To make the possibilities concrete, additional technical talks are needed between ADNOC, Staatsolie and the Surinamese authorities involved.
Coordination on this has meanwhile taken place with Staatsolie director Anand Jagessar and the foreign ministers of both countries. No final investment agreements have been reported so far. The talks are at a stage in which possible cooperation projects must be further examined and developed.
Development financing for housing, water management and fire service
Bouva also held consultations with Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). This development fund finances projects aimed at economic and social development. During the talks, possibilities were discussed to provide financial support for Surinamese projects in housing and water management.
The procurement of equipment for the Korps Brandweer Suriname (KBS, Suriname Fire Service) was also discussed. The possible support is relevant against the backdrop of the equipment problems currently faced by the Surinamese fire service. Fire service commander Immerik Edam announced on Monday, November 9, that the corps needs seventeen fire engines to adequately guarantee safety nationwide. According to him, six fire stations currently do not have an operational vehicle. It is not yet known whether the talks with the ADFD will lead to concrete financing for the procurement of fire service equipment.
Trade treaties and air links
During a separate consultation with Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi, attention was paid to the legal and economic conditions for further cooperation. This included the ratification of an agreement to prevent double taxation and an aviation treaty between Suriname and the UAE.
Such agreements can contribute to a more favourable investment climate and better conditions for economic relations between the two countries. Suriname has also requested support for the approval of a regional trade treaty between the UAE and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Trade promotion, sustainable tourism, community development and the expansion of diplomatic representation were also discussed. A Memorandum of Understanding between the chambers of commerce of both countries must also be finalised.
UAE to participate in Suriname Diplomatic Week
During the talks, it was confirmed that the United Arab Emirates will participate in Suriname Diplomatic Week 2026. According to the Surinamese government, this offers opportunities to further strengthen diplomatic contacts and develop new economic partnerships.
The various meetings must ultimately result in a joint agenda with concrete projects and agreements. Suriname and the UAE aim to continue preparations and technical coordination over the next six months.
Although the talks offer opportunities for investment and development financing, the actual economic significance for Suriname will depend on the extent to which the initiatives discussed are converted into binding agreements and implementable projects.
