Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) has initiated a strategic pivot in diplomatic approach, emphasizing concrete developmental outcomes over traditional diplomatic engagements. The shift was announced during the MOFA Networking Reception held Friday at Ballroom Prince, attended by President Jennifer Simons, diplomatic corps members, government officials, business representatives, and civil society organizations.
Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva articulated the new direction, stating that diplomacy must explicitly contribute to economic growth and sustainable development. The event, themed ‘Engaging partners and building relationships: Architecture for sustainable development through International Cooperation,’ served as a platform to deepen international relations and stimulate new collaborations.
“We have gathered all key actors to discuss the direction of our foreign policy and particularly the concrete results that must emerge from it,” Minister Bouva emphasized. He described the reception as a strategic moment to transform diplomatic conversations into measurable outcomes, adding that discussions must evolve into commitments, and commitments into actions and results.
The gathering featured addresses by French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste, who discussed existing cooperation between France and Suriname, and Gail Meyer, representative of the Corps of Honorary Consuls in Suriname, who highlighted the crucial role of honorary consuls in strengthening international economic and diplomatic ties.
While the reception itself produced no immediate policy decisions, the ministry views it as a catalyst for future collaborative projects. The contacts established during this first 2026 edition are expected to evolve into investments, projects, and new partnerships throughout the year.
The ministry clarified that the networking reception is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to position Suriname more effectively within regional and international cooperation frameworks. The ultimate objective remains clear: international cooperation must deliver tangible benefits for Surinamese society.
Minister Bouva concluded with a mission statement: “Our mission is simple: to make Suriname shine. A better Suriname begins with each of us.”