In a significant diplomatic address at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands emphasized the profound historical significance of his state visit to Suriname, marking the first Dutch royal visit in 47 years. The monarch explicitly called for confronting the shared colonial past between the two nations, including the painful legacy of slavery and turbulent post-independence periods.
The King characterized the visit as a pivotal opportunity to renew and deepen bilateral relations based on mutual respect and equality. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of Dutch citizens with Surinamese roots, while noting that his grandparents’ visit in 1978 provided historical context for the current diplomatic engagement.
‘We will not avoid history, including its painful elements such as slavery,’ declared Willem-Alexander. ‘We intend to engage in dialogue with descendants for whom this carries deep meaning.’ The monarch praised the courage required for both nations to confront their complex shared history, describing this honest reckoning as the foundation for a shared future.
Beyond historical reconciliation, the visit agenda includes strengthening cooperation in governance, independent judiciary, and democratic institutions—areas the King described as fundamentally connecting both nations. The program also features engagements with young entrepreneurs and students, focusing on skills development for sustainable economic growth.
Willem-Alexander expressed admiration for Suriname’s cultural richness, expressing regret that the three-day visit wouldn’t permit comprehensive exploration from the Waterkant to the upper Suriname River. The King concluded by thanking President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons for the warm reception, setting a positive tone for the subsequent diplomatic meetings.