President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday met with Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melvin Bouva, at State House to advance several key development initiatives, including the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge and the upgrading of the Guyana–Suriname Ferry service.
A statement from the Office of the President reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project, which would physically link the two neighbouring countries. The discussions also covered joint efforts to resolve issues affecting fisherfolk, improve the efficiency of the ferry system, and explore new opportunities for bilateral investment.
The meeting came just one day after President Ali was sworn in for his second term in office. Suriname, too, recently installed a new government in July, with Jennifer Geerlings-Simons assuming the presidency.
The previous administration under Chandrikapersad Santokhi had supported many of these initiatives, granting fishing licences to Guyanese fisherfolk and pledging financial support for the Corentyne River Bridge.
Speaking with reporters, President Ali indicated that a possible meeting with President Geerlings-Simons this weekend could provide further clarity on the new government’s priorities and its approach to ongoing collaborations.
Minister Bouva was accompanied by Suriname’s Chief of Staff of the Cabinet, Sergio Akiemboto, and Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal. President Ali was joined by Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Director of Presidential Affairs Marcia Nadir-Sharma.
