EU–Suriname Partnership Dialogue

EU-Suriname Partnership Dialogue

The annual EU-Suriname Partnership Dialogue, held under the EU-OACPS Samoa Agreement, took place on 9 April 2026 in Paramaribo, marking the first high-level engagement since Suriname's 25 May 2025 General Elections.

The meeting was co-chaired by HE Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation and HE Luca Pierantoni, EU Ambassador to Suriname, Guyana and CARICOM.

The Surinamese delegation included Ms Adelien Wijnerman, Minister of Planning and Finance; Mr Stephen Tsang, Minister of Public Works; Mr Raymond Landveld, Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism; Mr David Abiamofo, Minister of Natural Resources; Mr Mike Noersalim, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, as well as other high-level officials from relevant Ministries.

The EU delegation included officials from the European External Action Service, the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Suriname, as well as HE Nicolas de Lacoste, Ambassador of France to Suriname, and Mr Michiel Bierkens, Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Suriname.

Key Discussions

• Bilateral & Global Cooperation: The EU expressed gratitude for Suriname's sustained diplomatic and political support to Ukraine, which is reflected in the country's UN General Assembly voting trends. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, democracy, and multilateralism, while addressing global and regional challenges, such as the crises in Haiti and Cuba.

• Economic & Sustainable Development: The two parties discussed the priorities under the EU Global Gateway Agenda, which include forest management, renewable energy, agriculture, trade, health, transport, and digital connectivity. A special focus was placed on the Economic Partnership Agreement, which offers a stable rules-based framework for inter-regional exchanges.

• Regional Stability: The discussions covered Suriname's 2027 CARICOM Presidency, security cooperation, and preparations for COP31 and the 2027 EU-CELAC Summit. The EU side emphasised that Suriname is an EU neighbour and underscored the importance of the ratification of the border demarcation between Suriname and France.

• Technical Exchanges: Progress was reviewed in the sectors of fisheries, aviation, and border management, with both sides agreeing to deepen collaboration.

Outcomes & Next Steps

The Dialogue concluded with mutual satisfaction, reaffirming the strength of EU-Suriname ties. The next round will be held before late 2027, ensuring continued engagement on shared priorities.