During the consultations, the ministers discussed the progress of previously made agreements and the possibilities for further expanding cooperation between the two countries. Attention was also paid to the initiatives discussed following King Willem-Alexander’s visit to Suriname.
Visa-free travel back on the agenda
An important topic of discussion was the improvement of visa procedures between Suriname and the Netherlands. Both ministers welcomed the visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports recently approved within the Benelux.
In addition, the possibilities of enabling visa-free travel for Surinamese citizens with a regular national passport were discussed. According to Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks on this matter will continue.
No specific timeframe has been announced for the introduction of a possible visa exemption for holders of regular passports.
Passport issue involving Surinamese footballers discussed
The passport issue concerning Dutch footballers who qualify for the Surinamese national football team was also on the agenda.
The issue plays an important role in recruiting players of Surinamese descent who were born in the Netherlands or hold Dutch nationality.
Bouva and Berendsen agreed to further explore the possibilities for a solution. Experts have been appointed to further develop the matter. It has not been announced which specific solutions are being examined.
More than EUR 80 million available through cooperation programmes
In the economic and social fields, the ministers discussed the progress of the Makandra-programma 2 and the Subsidieprogramma Maatschappelijke Initiatieven Trans-Atlantisch Slavernijverleden voor Suriname 2026–2030 (SUMS-SU).
According to the ministry, more than EUR 80 million in total is available through these two programmes for projects and initiatives in Suriname.
The programmes offer opportunities for knowledge exchange and support for social, societal and economic development. Social initiatives related to the trans-Atlantic history of slavery may also qualify for funding through the designated subsidy programme.
The information provided does not indicate what portion of the total amount has already been allocated to specific projects and how much funding remains available for new applications.
Possible visit by Dutch minister to Suriname
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the consultations afterwards. They agreed to further elaborate the agreements made and, where possible, accelerate their implementation.
A possible working visit by Minister Berendsen to Suriname was also discussed. A date has not yet been announced.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, the consultations should contribute to a further deepening of relations between Suriname and the Netherlands, with the emphasis on concrete results.
