标签： Suriname

On Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname welcomed Venezuelan Ambassador Ayerim Flores Rivas for an introductory and exploratory meeting at the Cabinet of the President. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus included agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, with additional interest in cultural and health-related exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, who attended the meeting, emphasized Venezuela’s role as a significant economic partner. ‘We discussed the involvement of Venezuelan companies in Suriname’s fish processing and export sectors,’ Bouva stated. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the oil and gas industry, noting Venezuela’s valuable expertise in this domain. Bouva reiterated Suriname’s commitment to maintaining South America as a zone of peace, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect. The Communications Service of Suriname reported that the country will continue to advocate for regional stability. Ambassador Flores Rivas described the meeting as constructive and underscored the historical ties between the two nations. ‘Our relationship spans over fifty years. We see tremendous opportunities for collaboration, especially as Suriname develops its energy economy,’ the diplomat remarked.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering targeted military strikes on cocaine production facilities in Venezuela, according to sources within the U.S. government. This move is part of a broader strategy to intensify efforts against transnational drug trafficking, with Venezuela long viewed by Washington as a key hub for such activities. The proposed strikes would be unilateral and preventive, meaning they would occur without the consent of the Venezuelan government or an international coalition. This approach has raised significant political and diplomatic concerns, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The potential for regional instability is high, as such actions could be perceived as acts of war in Latin America. Internal divisions within the U.S. government have also emerged, with hawks advocating for immediate action to dismantle Maduro’s cocaine economy, while others caution against military intervention that could escalate into broader conflict. No final decision has been made as of yet.

Sidik Moertabat, a prominent leader of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) in Suriname, has resigned from his executive position and parted ways with the party. Moertabat announced his decision through the party’s internal communication platform, emphasizing that his departure stems from dissatisfaction with his treatment as a senior executive rather than any negative sentiment toward the VHP. He revealed that widespread discontent exists within the party’s leadership and among members, particularly regarding the management style and decision-making processes. This dissatisfaction intensified following the party’s defeat in the May 25, 2025 elections, which Moertabat attributes to poor internal communication and the concentration of power among a small group of leaders. Moertabat expressed frustration over his exclusion from election preparations and the candidate selection process for the National Assembly, though he clarified that his omission from the candidate list was not the primary reason for his resignation. Reflecting on his 13-year tenure, he highlighted the party’s achievements, including securing 20 parliamentary seats in 2020, but lamented the subsequent decline due to ineffective communication and the marginalization of key members, including the so-called ‘Triple-M’ group. Since announcing his resignation on October 17, Moertabat noted a lack of response from the party, with only Deputy Chairman Glenn Oehler reaching out. Firm in his decision, he stated that he will not return to the VHP and plans to focus on his family in retirement. While he bids farewell to active politics, Moertabat remains open to contributing to other parties, reaffirming his commitment to serving the nation and its people. He concluded by expressing pride in his parliamentary service, particularly his role as chair of the Defense Committee from 2020 to 2025.