In an extraordinary parliamentary session attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, ABOP faction leader Ronnie Brunswijk delivered a powerful address emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging colonial history to build a mature partnership between Suriname and the Netherlands. Speaking directly to the government table where President Jennifer Simons sat alongside the Dutch monarch, Brunswijk—descendant of enslaved Africans and member of the Maroon community—highlighted the courage, struggle, and sacrifices made by his ancestors for freedom long before it was codified in law.
The political leader asserted that recognizing the colonial past represents not an attempt to sow division but an essential step toward establishing a balanced relationship. ‘History contains painful aspects, but also moments of cooperation and shared values. This demands an honest and balanced approach to dealing with one another,’ Brunswijk stated during the special parliamentary gathering.
While emphasizing Suriname’s forward-looking perspective, Brunswijk positioned the state visit as a potential starting point for a new phase of cooperation that must deliver concrete benefits for both nations. He expressed particular appreciation for the presence of the Dutch king and queen, interpreting their visit as demonstrating genuine willingness to strengthen bilateral relations.
‘Suriname welcomes you with pride, honesty, and dignity—as a people who know their history, acknowledge their pain, and look toward the future with confidence,’ declared Brunswijk, framing the occasion as symbolic of evolving diplomatic relations between the former colony and its former colonial power.