For the heads of diplomatic missions and consulate generals, honorary consuls, representatives of international organizations, and members of the private sector in the Republic of Suriname, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation has organized a New Year’s reception. As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Juliang Pujianto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, participated in the event. On February 1, 2023, a meeting was held in Surinaamsch Rumhuis on Cornelis Jongbawstraat.
Addressing the audience was President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The Head of State thanked governments and organizations of the relevant officials in his speech for their assistance given to Suriname on many occasions and in a variety of disciplines. The President depends on their commitment to maintain the beneficial partnership and produce more noticeable outcomes. “The Diplomatic Corps’ services are deeply valued.”
The chief of state also spoke about the agreements with India and the Paris Club for successful debt restructuring. “All of these agreements show that Suriname continues to receive help from the IMF Extended Fund Facility as it pursues economic recovery. We are still dedicated to reviving the economy, earning back the confidence of our partners and creditors abroad, and giving the most vulnerable members of our society the required support, the president declared. He stated that talks to establish a deal with the People’s Republic of China are also ongoing.
President Santokhi included a retrospective on the year 2022 in his speech. The head of state acknowledged that not only is this a difficult year for Suriname, but also for the entire world. “As we witnessed at the beginning of the year, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine created problems for the security of food and energy. Additionally, the president said that the economic recovery following the COVID-19 epidemic “has not had enough impact to offset losses in the private sector and losses to the health system.”
The president of state urged the diplomats present to take part in these celebrations and to make suggestions in light of the upcoming commemorations of the abolition of slavery, the anniversaries of Hindu and Chinese immigration, and the celebration of Javanese immigration. “In 2023, my cabinet will continue to deploy the different platforms that we have focused on People, Prosperity, and Planet at all levels in an effective and efficient manner,” the statement reads.
