Flooding concerns and major cross-border projects were among the issues discussed on Friday when President Dr Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons held high-level virtual talks aimed at advancing co-operation between the two neighbouring countries.
In a statement, the Office of the President said the discussions covered a number of bilateral matters, including agriculture, fisheries, energy collaboration, trade and the long-awaited Corentyne River bridge project.
The two leaders agreed to move several pending matters forward within the next three months as Guyana and Suriname continue efforts to strengthen economic ties and regional integration.
President Ali, in comments shared on his Facebook page, said both countries remain committed to expanding their partnership.
“I was delighted to speak to my friend and our neighbour, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on various opportunities and challenges ahead of us. I was pleased at our shared commitment in deepening our partnership and friendship to ensure further economic co-operation, expansion of trade, and integration of our economies,” he said.
A major focus of the engagement was the impact of climate change and heavy rainfall in both countries.President Geerlings-Simons said the issue of flooding and infrastructure responses formed an important part of the discussions.
“It has been agreed that the Ministers of Public Works of both countries will co-operate on the water problem and infrastructural measures at the technical level,” the Surinamese leader stated.
She added that the talks also examined opportunities for broader socio-economic collaboration, particularly in the oil and gas and fisheries sectors, along with issues relating to movement along the Corantijn River.
The two governments also plan to reconvene under the Suriname-Guyana Strategic Dialogue and Co-operation Platform, while seeking greater private sector involvement in future initiatives.
The discussions come as both countries continue to pursue deeper regional partnerships amid rapid economic growth fuelled largely by developments in the energy sector.
Central to those efforts is the planned Corentyne River bridge, a project expected to significantly improve connectivity and trade between Guyana and Suriname while opening up new opportunities for tourism and commerce.
The bridge is expected to be built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation at an estimated cost of US$236 million.
Once completed, the structure will link Moleson Creek in Guyana with South Drain in Suriname through Long Island. The bridge is being designed with a projected lifespan of 100 years.
Government has already allocated GY$5 billion in the 2025 National Budget for Guyana’s share of the project, while plans are also progressing to develop Long Island into a commercial and tourism centre.
