Guyana has restated its commitment to strengthening ties with Suriname, as Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips joined officials and diplomats on Saturday evening to celebrate Suriname’s 50th Independence Anniversary at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The event, hosted by the Surinamese Embassy and the Suriname, Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), also marked 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between the two neighbours, an occasion the Prime Minister described as both historic and symbolic.
Extending congratulations to the Government and people of Suriname, Prime Minister Phillips praised the country’s cultural pride and national resilience. He noted that the Golden Jubilee comes at a time when the two states continue to expand cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared development goals.
He underscored that Guyana and Suriname have built a partnership defined by trust and practical collaboration across key sectors, adding that the nations are “neighbours by geography, partners by necessity, and friends by choice.”
According to the Prime Minister, the bilateral relationship has matured into one that supports regional integration, economic opportunity and people-to-people links. He pointed to joint efforts in energy, infrastructure, trade, security and cultural exchange as examples of meaningful cooperation.
“Guyana and Suriname have set an example for the region, showing that shared development is not just a slogan but a workable path forward,” he told attendees.
Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to advancing major joint initiatives, including plans to transform the Guyana-Suriname corridor into a model of regional integration. He highlighted continued collaboration in food and energy security, climate resilience and sustainable growth, stressing that both countries stand to benefit from deeper ties.
Among those attending the high-level cultural gathering were Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith; and Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips, wife of the Prime Minister.
The Embassy and SGCC expressed appreciation to local media and the private sector for supporting the celebration, noting that the milestone is a reminder of the shared history, cultural bonds and future prospects that continue to shape Guyana-Suriname relations.
