Suriname and the United States commemorated five decades of diplomatic relations during a formal ceremony at the U.S. Embassy on November 26, 2025. The event featured addresses by Surinamese President Jennifer Simons and U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher, who reflected on the historical evolution and future prospects of bilateral ties between the two nations.
The gathering included distinguished guests from the private sector and members of the American Chamber of Commerce of Suriname (AmCham). The diplomatic relationship was formally established on November 26, 1975, exactly one day after Suriname gained independence, when the United States under President Gerald Ford officially recognized the newly sovereign nation.
President Simons recalled the historical significance of this partnership: “This relationship was born the day after our independence. From the very beginning, Suriname could count on American support through educational programs, medical missions, and security cooperation.” She further emphasized the economic importance of the collaboration, noting that “American companies have invested in Suriname for fifty years—not just with capital, but through knowledge transfer and job creation. During various periods, they have served as pillars of our national economy.”
Ambassador Faucher reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening bilateral relations and presented President Simons with a special anniversary publication titled ‘Common Past, Shared Future: United States and Suriname — 50 Connections.’ The ambassador described the compilation as “fifty stories demonstrating how Americans and Surinamese have influenced each other for centuries,” characterizing the publication as both a tribute to the past and an inspiration for future cooperation.
President Simons concluded with a message to citizens of both nations: “Let us move forward with wisdom and unity to write the next chapter together—a chapter of cooperation, respect, and shared ambitions.”