PARAMARIBO, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Charles Cooper has met with Surinamese President Jennifer Simons to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and deepening the historic relationship between the two countries.
The meeting took place on Monday at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo during Cooper’s visit to Suriname for the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (SEOGS), one of the region’s most important energy conferences.
According to information released following the meeting, both leaders discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in several sectors, including tourism, transportation and economic development. President Simons emphasized the importance of building on discussions that began during Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas’ visit to Suriname in November last year and were further reinforced during the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in December.
One of the key topics was tourism and connectivity between the two countries. Simons highlighted the importance of improving transportation links, particularly maritime connections, as a way to stimulate economic growth and strengthen relations between Curaçao and Suriname.
The president also pointed to the significance of Curaçao’s participation in the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit, noting that developments in the region’s energy sector will play an important role in future energy security.
Cooper said the visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen ties between two countries that share a common history and are part of the same Caribbean region.
“We are here for the summit taking place this week, but I also took the opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between Curaçao and Suriname,” Cooper said. “We share a common history and belong to the same region. It is important that we move forward together.”
The deputy prime minister described relations between Curaçao and Suriname as strong, noting the significant Surinamese community living on the island.
“If I had to rate the relationship between Suriname and Curaçao, I would give it an 8.5 or 9,” Cooper said. “Many Surinamese live on Curaçao and make an important contribution to our society. That exchange enriches our culture, cooperation and transfer of knowledge.”
According to Cooper, the relationship extends beyond economic and political interests.
“It is not only about commercial relations, but also about people-to-people connections. That personal bond is what makes our relationship so special,” he said.
Both sides expressed their intention to continue exploring areas where cooperation can be expanded in the years ahead.