Delhi: In a significant diplomatic encounter, a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Suriname, headed by H.E. Mr. Marinus Bee, Chairman of the National Assembly, paid a visit to President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 5, 2024.
Welcoming the delegation, President Murmu underscored the longstanding warmth and friendship characterizing the relationship between India and Suriname. She emphasized the robust people-to-people contacts, cultural linkages, and shared traditions that bind the two nations together. Additionally, President Murmu highlighted the commonalities in their approaches to global issues, further strengthening the bilateral ties.
Reflecting on the significant milestones of 2023, President Droupadi Murmu recalled the pivotal high-level exchanges between the two countries. Notably, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi’s visit to India in January 2023 for Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and her own State Visit to Suriname in June 2023 marked important moments in bilateral relations. President Murmu fondly reminisced about her participation in the special commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, expressing gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Surinamese government and people.
Highlighting the immense potential for bilateral trade and economic cooperation, President Murmu identified key areas such as health, Ayurveda, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technologies, education, culture, and tourism. She stressed the importance of leveraging these sectors to foster greater collaboration and mutual prosperity between India and Suriname.
President Murmu also underscored the significance of parliamentary exchanges in strengthening ties between the two democracies. She expressed confidence that the visit of the Surinamese delegation would provide valuable insights into India’s robust and vibrant democratic system, facilitating greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting between the parliamentary delegation from Suriname and President Droupadi Murmu signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for closer cooperation in various sectors. It reaffirms the shared aspirations of India and Suriname to foster a deeper and more meaningful partnership for the benefit of their respective peoples and the wider global community.
