The Government of the Republic of Suriname, represented by His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Businesses and International Cooperation, and the European Union, represented by His Excellency Rene van Nes, Ambassador of the European Union and Ambassadors Nicolas de Lacoste and Walter Oostelbos, respectively from the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, convened for their annual Partnership Dialogue on December 4, 2024, in Paramaribo. Other Cabinet Ministers of Suriname included the Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment H.E. Marciano Dasai and officials of other relevant Ministries. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister Albert Ramdin and EU Ambassador Rene van Nes, demonstrating the strong partnership that exists.

In a rich and open dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on their respective economic and political situations and future prospects. The EU commended the success in stabilising the economic situation and in restructuring the foreign debt. The dialogue emphasized the importance of strengthening EU-Suriname relations recognizing the particularities of the joint EU-Suriname border and our shared norms and values. In connection to the upcoming General Elections in Suriname in May 2025, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Suriname’s democratic processes.

The implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement was discussed highlighting its potential to enhance cooperation between the EU and Suriname and the two sides agreed to work closely on consular matters to facilitate smoother interactions between their citizens. Reference was also made to the joint commitments on the upcoming EU-CELAC summit scheduled for the end of 2025 in Colombia.

Suriname and the EU provided insights into regional developments, including on Haiti, Venezuela, Gaza and the ongoing war in Ukraine, including the unprovoked aggression by Russia.  They also agreed on the need for close cooperation on the rule of law, democracy and a rule-based multilateral system.

The EU, France, the Netherlands and Suriname, discussed the bilateral relations with the EU Member states. Discussions were also held on regional cooperation. EU PROGRAMS are increasingly guided by the Global Gateway. Both parties, expressed their commitment to collaboration in agriculture, food security, climate change and forest management. They also explored avenues to boost trade relations and capitalize on new opportunities.

The dialogue addressed critical issues of international security and stability. Particular attention was given to combating illegal fishing and illegal gold mining, including the use of mercury, recognizing their detrimental impact on Suriname’s economy and environment and on both sides of the Marowijne river.

Both the EU and Suriname reaffirmed their dedication to beholding human rights and strengthening governance structures.

Climate change was seen as a strong joint priority where the EU and Suriname are working closely together. Suriname underscored its contributions to mitigating climate change in particular its status of being among the few Carbon neutral countries as well as a country at risk of climate induced disasters. Both parties agreed to enhance their cooperation in multilateral fora to address environmental challenges effectively.

The two sides concluded the dialogue by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their partnership across various sectors and to establish more regular consultations towards shares goals of sustainable development, security and prosperity. They agreed that the next round of the Dialogue should be scheduled before the end of 2025.

The EU discussed, among other matters, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including the unprovoked aggression by Russia."