-Corentyne River bridge, ‘backtrack route’ on agenda

SURINAME’S President, Desi Delano Bouterse will arrive here early today for a state visit during which the two countries are likely to discuss a proposal for the bridging of the Corentyne River and the regularisation of the back-track crossing between Corriverton and Nikerie.Other matters including trade, tourism and border are likely to feature during discussions between the two sides. The Surinamese leader’s visit follows a similar “working visit” by President Granger to Suriname in July. At their last meeting held on July 1 in Nieuw, Nickerie, Suriname, the two heads agreed to have a follow-up meeting on their discussions.

President Bouterse will be accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Niermala Badrising, Minister of Justice and Police, Ms. Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos, Advisor of State to the President of Suriname and Mr. Harvey H. Naarendorp. They will also be joined by Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Mehroen N.Kurban-Baboe.

The Surinamese President and his team are scheduled to arrive at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, where a Guard of Honour will be mounted by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force. Before he returns to Suriname, both Presidents Granger and Bouterse will host a press conference at the Marriott Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said the two South American leaders “are expected to discuss areas of mutual interest in an effort to deepen relations between the two countries.”

President Granger had traveled to Suriname in July to discuss continental, regional and bilateral issues, relevant to both countries, as well as the Guyana- Suriname border dispute over the New River Triangle. “The Guyana/Suriname Border issue is also expected to be on the agenda. The Head of State noted that he expects that the meeting will see some modalities being established so that the two countries can move forward,” a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency had said.

Additionally, the President had indicated that discussions with the Surinamese leader were to take place on three levels, as UNASUR (Union of South American States) members, CARICOM members and thirdly bilaterally. Following the July 1 meeting, Surinamese newspaper De Ware Tijd had reported that Presidents Bouterse and Granger met to revive their friendship, while continuing the integration process. Guyana’s President was quoted as saying that both countries with their combined economic resources are a “powerful economic element” within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

It was also reported that President Bouterse, like President Granger placed much emphasis on strengthening the bond between the two countries. The Surinamese head of state noted too the many opportunities that exist between the two in the areas of agriculture and education. Such opportunities he said would be to the benefit to the entire regional Bloc.

The July 1 meeting was held on the heels of the 37th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held in Georgetown days after.

Guyana and Suriname have shared bilateral ties since the Dutch territory became independent in November 1975.