Foreign relations of Suriname

As part of the foreign relations of Suriname, the country is a participant in numerous international organizations. International tensions have arisen due to Suriname's status as a trans-shipment point for South American recreational drugs destined mostly for Europe.

Border disputes

Main article: Borders of Suriname

The country claims an area in French Guiana between Litani River and Marouini River (both headwaters of the Lawa). Suriname also claims an area in Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne).

International organization participation

Suriname is a member of numerous international organizations. Among them, since gaining independence, Suriname has become a member of the UN, the OAS, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market and the Association of Caribbean States. It is associated with the European Union through the Lome Convention. Suriname participates in the Amazonian Pact, a grouping of the countries of the Amazon Basin that focuses on protection of the Amazon region's natural resources from environmental degradation. Reflecting its status as a major bauxite producer, Suriname is a member of the International Bauxite Association. The country also belongs to the Economic Commission for Latin America, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Suriname became a member of the Islamic Development Bank in 1998, under the Wijdenbosch government. In 2003, Suriname joined the Nederlandse Taalunie (Dutch Language union).

Regional and international agreements

Bilateral agreements with several countries of the region, covering diverse areas of cooperation, have underscored the government's interest in strengthening regional ties. The return to Suriname from French Guiana of about 8,000 refugees of the 1986–91 civil war between the military and domestic insurgents has improved relations with French authorities. Longstanding border disputes with Guyana and French Guiana remain unresolved. Negotiations with the Government of Guyana brokered by the Jamaican Prime Minister in 2000 did not produce an agreement but the countries agreed to restart talks after Guyanese national elections in 2001. In January 2002 the presidents of Suriname and Guyana met in Suriname and agreed to resume negotiations, establishing the Suriname-Guyana border commission to begin meeting in May 2002. An earlier dispute with Brazil ended amicably after formal demarcation of the border.

In May 1997, then-President Wijdenbosch joined US President Clinton and 14 other Caribbean leaders during the first-ever US-regional summit in Bridgetown, Barbados. The summit strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counter narcotics issues, finance, development, and trade.

Bilateral relations

Barbados

Main article: Barbados–Suriname relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1978. In 2009 both nations formed a Joint Commission to improve relations between both countries and expand in various areas of cooperation.

• Barbados is accredited to Suriname from Bridgetown and has an honorary consulate in Paramaribo.
• Suriname is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and has an honorary consulate in Bridgetown.

Brazil

Main article: Brazil–Suriname relations

• Brazil has an embassy in Paramaribo.
• Suriname has an embassy in Brasilia.

France

• France has an embassy in Paramaribo.
• Suriname has an embassy in Paris and a consulate-general in Cayenne.

India

• India has an embassy in Paramaribo.
• Suriname has an embassy in New Delhi.

Mexico

Main article: Mexico–Suriname relations

• Mexico is accredited to Suriname from its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and has an honorary consulate in Paramaribo.
• Suriname is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, DC; United States.

Netherlands

• Netherlands has an embassy in Paramaribo.
• Suriname has an embassy in The Hague and consulates-general in Amsterdam and in Willemstad, Curaçao.

Pakistan

The present status of bilateral economic and commercial cooperation is yet to immense possibilities for trade between the two countries do exist but yet to be properly explored. Pakistan apprised that Suriname located in South America has an emerging economy which grew 4.5% in 2012 backed by strong growth in commodity exports and local construction activity.

South Korea

Main article: Foreign relations of the Republic of Korea

• Diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Korea and Suriname on 28 November 1975.
• The number of South Koreans living in Suriname in 2011 was about 60.

United States

Main article: Suriname–United States relations

• Suriname has an embassy in Washington, DC and a consulate-general in Miami.
• United States has an embassy in Paramaribo.

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Suriname
• List of diplomatic missions of Suriname

External links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname (Dutch)
• Permanent Mission of Suriname to the United Nations