UAE Suriname Bilateral Cooperation Strengthened During Noura Al Kaabi Official Visit

The UAE and Suriname are moving to deepen bilateral cooperation after an official visit by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State. The visit focused on digitisation, tourism, cultural exchange, capacity building and trade, and produced agreements to speed up work on several strategic files between both countries.

Al Kaabi travelled with Omar Shehadeh, UAE Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States. During the programme, the UAE delegation underlined Abu Dhabi’s interest in new partnerships in South America, while Suriname stressed plans to work closely with the UAE on diversification and sustainable growth.

President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons presented Suriname’s economic plans, which place new oil and gas discoveries at the centre of long-term development. The strategy aims to channel these resources into broader economic diversification. President Geerlings-Simons expressed an interest in the UAE’s experience in using hydrocarbons to support wider socioeconomic revitalisation.

Talks with President Geerlings-Simons covered renewable energy, tourism, digitization, cybersecurity and technical cooperation. Both sides discussed practical ways to exchange expertise in these sectors. Suriname is seeking support to design policies that reduce dependence on raw commodity exports, while the UAE highlighted its track record in building diversified, knowledge-based sectors.

In addition to President Geerlings-Simons, Al Kaabi held meetings with several ministers. These included Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation, Andrew Baasaron, Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, Adelien Wijnerman, Minister of Finance and Planning, Patrick Brunings, Minister of Oil, Gas and the Environment, and Mike Noersalim, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

During the meeting with Minister Bouva, attended by senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, discussions covered regional developments and Suriname’s engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The delegations underlined the value of wider dialogue on shared priorities, particularly economic development, resilience, digital transformation and cooperation on food security challenges.

UAE Suriname cooperation on digitization, cybersecurity and key agreements

Both governments agreed to fast-track work on cooperation in digitization and cybersecurity. Officials also committed to complete several economic treaties. Priority areas include agriculture, food security and sustainable development, where both sides see potential for joint projects and technical partnerships that support Suriname’s economic agenda and align with the UAE’s external cooperation goals.

Al Kaabi passed on greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with their wishes for further progress for Suriname. President Geerlings-Simons sent similar greetings and good wishes to the UAE leadership.

UAE Suriname cooperation and cultural, religious diversity

The delegation visited the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the 1880s and considered one of South America’s largest pure wooden churches. Al Kaabi noted its location beside the Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Nasir Mosque as a visible example of Suriname’s inter-religious harmony.

Al Kaabi drew parallels between that coexistence and the UAE’s own religious diversity, stressing shared values of tolerance and peaceful community life. The visit added a cultural and human dimension to the official talks, alongside the economic, technical and political discussions held with Surinamese leaders.

Reflecting on the visit, Al Kaabi said: "This visit highlights the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to building strong partnerships and strengthening ties with the people of Suriname. We look forward to engaging with Surinamese partners in shaping strategies and programs to contribute to a future of partnership and shared prosperity. By combining our strength in oil and gas, digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable development, we are building a bridge that connects our people and creates opportunities for generations to come."

With inputs from WAM