External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held talks with his Surinamese counterpart Melvin Bouva in Paramaribo yesterday. The Indian and Surinamese delegations engaged in a comprehensive review of India-Suriname relations, under the aegis of the 9th Joint Commission Meeting. They covered trade, investment, defence and energy, development assistance and capacity building, health and mobility, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that the outcomes of their deliberations today will further deepen and diversify India-Suriname ties.

 

In his statement to the press after the Joint Commission Meeting, the External Affairs Minister said the talks also touched on global multilateral issues. He said India has a deep and trusted relationship with Suriname because it rests on the foundation of strong people to people connect. He added that the endeavour is to strengthen that base, particularly through activities and initiatives to which the ordinary citizens can connect.

 

Dr Jaishankar appreciated that Suriname is today poised to take big steps forward in its developmental journey. He said India is open to offering new Lines of Credit for projects that the Suriname government deems important and appropriate. He said India is willing to respond to needs of Suriname military and police, including in capacity building.