Suriname wants to more explicitly translate its good relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into concrete investments and development projects. This includes consideration of financing for projects, the digitalisation of government services, modernisation of the airport and cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation discussed this in New York with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE. The consultation took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The UAE government has also confirmed the meeting.
According to the Surinamese ministry, the existing relationship between the two countries must now be translated into tangible results. Suriname has expressed interest in possible financing for development projects through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Trade and investment
Various economic sectors were discussed during the meeting, including agriculture, energy, infrastructure and aviation. A proposed agreement between the chambers of commerce of both countries, intended to further stimulate business cooperation and trade, was also discussed.
Another important topic was digitalisation. The UAE has offered to support Suriname in further digitalising government services. Possibilities for modernising the airport were also discussed. In addition, food security, maritime security and the preservation of historic buildings in Paramaribo were on the agenda.
Diplomatic cooperation
According to the ministry, the UAE has also offered to contribute to the further professionalisation of the Surinamese diplomatic corps through specialised academies. Bouva and Sheikh Abdullah further discussed how Suriname and the UAE can play a role in strengthening connections between the Caribbean, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
Both countries also want to cooperate more closely within multilateral organisations. This included discussion of cooperation within the United Nations and the relationship between the UAE and the Caribbean Community, CARICOM. Suriname and the UAE have agreed to further develop the possibilities discussed and continue talks on concrete projects.
