In a landmark address to the National Assembly during the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, President Jennifer Simons declared that Suriname and the Netherlands stand at a pivotal historical juncture to rebuild and deepen their bilateral relationship. The President emphasized that this royal visit presents a unique opportunity to transform a connection long characterized by colonial imbalance into a modern partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
President Simons articulated that the foundation for this renewed relationship must begin with acknowledging their complex shared history while simultaneously working toward reconciliation. “The future can be improved not only through recognition of what lies in the past,” she stated, “but also through collaborative efforts in the restoration process.” She affirmed Suriname’s readiness to shape its own destiny while recognizing the necessity of continued cooperation with the Netherlands as both country of origin and former colonial power.
The framework for this reinvented relationship, according to President Simons, must be built upon principles of equality, pragmatism, mutual trust, and friendship. Both nations have demonstrated willingness to take this significant step forward, recognizing their numerous commonalities that provide a solid foundation for complementary cooperation across economic, cultural, and governance spheres. The shared legal system and language offer particular advantages for deepened collaboration.
President Simons highlighted the profound social interconnectedness between the two nations, noting that substantial portions of both populations reside in each other’s countries. “This is literally our family,” she remarked, emphasizing that cooperation must extend beyond government levels to include private sector entities, youth organizations, businesses, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Addressing global uncertainties, the President stressed that regional peace and security require strengthened cooperation. She called for joint focus on processing historical wounds from both colonial and post-colonial periods, stating that both nations must “learn from history, look each other directly in the eye, process that history, and together create a better future.” Specific opportunities for collaboration exist in trade, economic development, energy, governance, and social advancement.
Concluding with a powerful message, President Simons urged all Surinamese citizens to recognize that “we have a future together if we dare to face the past.” This state visit, she affirmed, provides a rare chance for both societies to collectively build a prosperous future for their people.