The neighboring South American nations of Suriname and Guyana are intensifying diplomatic efforts to convene a crucial Joint Border Commission meeting before the conclusion of 2025. This development follows high-level discussions between officials from both countries, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Suriname’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, confirmed that preparatory work is underway for the seventh session of the border commission. “We are striving to hold the 7th border commission meeting before year-end,” Blankendal stated during a press briefing, revealing that Suriname’s commission chair has already initiated engagement with Guyanese counterparts to determine optimal timing.
The diplomatic momentum stems from the September 2025 meeting between Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s newly elected President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Nickerie, Suriname. During this initial presidential encounter, both leaders reached a consensus that commission co-chairs should meet “as soon as possible” to facilitate the full border commission assembly.
Parallel diplomatic channels are being activated through foreign ministry officials. Guyanese Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd disclosed plans for bilateral discussions with his Surinamese counterpart during the upcoming Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting scheduled for December in Georgetown. The agenda encompasses multiple cooperation areas, including the Strategic Dialogue Cooperation Platform—particularly relevant following Suriname’s recent governmental transition.
Minister Todd elaborated that working groups have maintained engagement across several critical domains: “We’re progressing on multiple fronts including the Corentyne River Bridge project, agricultural cooperation, border commission matters, and fishing licenses.” He emphasized the target of concluding substantive discussions by year-end, while acknowledging potential extension into early 2026 should coordination requirements dictate.
Ambassador Blankendal, a career diplomat, provided technical insights into the commission’s preparatory work, noting that relevant historical documents have undergone comprehensive review with subsequent reporting to both foreign ministries. The proposed procedural framework involves initial talks between commission chairs preceding the full joint session.
When questioned regarding potential discussions about the New River Triangle—a 6,000-square-mile territory in southeastern Guyana—the Surinamese envoy indicated the commission’s comprehensive mandate: “The border commission addresses all matters pertaining to that sphere. Our primary focus remains identifying constructive pathways forward.”