COUNTRY:  CUBA.

Suriname and Cuba are exploring opportunities to broaden their longstanding cooperation, with agriculture, food security, energy, education and training among the areas discussed by their foreign ministers. According to the Government of Suriname, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Melvin Bouva met with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, in New York on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The discussions built on existing cooperation, including the contribution of Cuban professionals in Suriname and opportunities for Surinamese students to receive training in Cuba.

Agricultural cooperation emerged as an important area for further engagement, with Minister Bouva proposing that the two countries explore training and knowledge exchange in agriculture, particularly with a focus on strengthening food security. The Starnieuws report, published on 27 September, also highlighted discussions on energy cooperation, including the potential for collaboration in solar energy. Cuba’s current economic and energy challenges were raised during the meeting, while both sides considered how knowledge and cooperation could contribute to practical solutions that benefit their populations.

The discussions also touched on migration, regional connectivity and the situation of CARICOM students in Cuba. As noted by the Government of Suriname, Bouva, in his capacity as Chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign Ministers, raised regional concerns regarding the situation in Cuba and students from CARICOM countries currently studying there. Both countries reaffirmed their interest in maintaining dialogue and strengthening cooperation, with future engagement expected to explore areas that can deliver concrete benefits for the people of Suriname and Cuba.

Photo Source: Government of Suriname
Author: Olivia Adams.