On Monday, neighboring Suriname launched its first batch of emergency humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, nearly six weeks after a severe earthquake left widespread destruction across the South American nation. The initial cargo flight departed from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, carrying 1,000 pre-packed food kits and other critical daily necessities for communities impacted by the June 24 disaster. A second, larger shipment carrying 52 metric tons of rice and clean drinking water is scheduled to arrive later this week.
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, spoke at the send-off ceremony, emphasizing that the aid mission reflects the country’s commitment as a responsible neighbor and active regional partner. Each of the 1,000 food packages weighs approximately 10 kilograms, stocked with staple goods including rice, flour, beans, cooking oil, sugar, canned tuna, corned beef, sardines and other non-perishable food items. The shipment also includes bed linens and pillows to support displaced families who lost their homes in the quake.
“Suriname stands with Venezuela as a good neighbor and trusted partner,” Bouva stated. “This assistance is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting a friendly nation as it launches its post-disaster reconstruction process.” He added that Suriname and Venezuela have maintained long-standing cross-sector cooperation, and during a recent diplomatic visit to Caracas, officials from both sides discussed new opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, tourism and education.
Glennys Hernández, Consul representing the Venezuelan government, expressed sincere gratitude for Suriname’s timely support. She shared the latest official impact figures from the earthquake: the disaster has destroyed nearly 5,000 residential buildings, claimed hundreds of lives, injured approximately 5,600 people, and left roughly 23,800 displaced residents still residing in temporary emergency shelters. “Suriname’s aid is invaluable, and it brings renewed hope to families that have lost everything,” Hernández said.
Bouva noted that the humanitarian operation demonstrates that diplomacy is not limited to diplomatic dialogue—it also translates into tangible, practical support for nations reeling from natural disasters. Both Suriname and Venezuelan officials highlighted that the joint aid effort reinforces the long-standing friendly bilateral ties between the two countries, and reaffirms their shared commitment to supporting the full recovery and reconstruction of Venezuela’s earthquake-impacted regions.