In a ceremonious evening at the Prince Ballroom, President Jennifer Simons extended a warm welcome to Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during their inaugural state visit to Suriname. The historic occasion coincides precisely with the nation’s fiftieth independence anniversary, a symbolic convergence that the president emphasized as profoundly significant.
President Simons reflected on the 1975 independence celebrations attended by then-Crown Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus, noting that this royal visit “reaffirms the enduring friendship and deep connection between Suriname and the Netherlands that transcends generations.”
Looking beyond commemorative reflections, Simons articulated Suriname’s forward-looking vision encapsulated in the theme “Srefidensi is Srefidenki” (Independence is Self-Reliance). She unveiled the ambitious “Make Suriname Shine” initiative, positioning it as a global invitation to rediscover the nation’s potential. The president outlined plans to leverage Suriname’s natural resources, creativity, human capital, and cultural diversity to establish the country as a paradigm of sustainable development and international cooperation.
In one of her speech’s most poignant segments, Simons defined Suriname’s national identity through its unique composition of cultures, languages, and religions. “Suriname is diversity,” she declared, “and precisely therein lies our strength. Our differences don’t form obstacles but rather a source of inspiration and resilience.”
The president announced enhanced preservation efforts for Suriname’s rich heritage, including UNESCO monuments in Paramaribo, with an extensive heritage month scheduled for 2026. Additionally, she highlighted the government’s commitment to developing youth through sports, culture, and community engagement programs in collaboration with international partners.
Simons characterized the bilateral relationship as extending beyond diplomatic formalities to encompass deep personal and familial bonds strengthened through migration and shared history. She envisioned the royal visit as an opportunity to deepen partnership based on equality, mutual respect, and shared ambitions.
Concluding her address, the president acknowledged Surinamese and Dutch institutions that facilitated the state visit and invited attendees to toast renewed cooperation, lasting friendship between both nations, and the health of the Dutch royal family.