PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali and President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, on Friday held high-level virtual talks focused on deepening economic co-operation and addressing shared regional challenges, including flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

According to a statement from the Office of the President of Guyana, the two Heads of State discussed several key bilateral matters, including the proposed Corentyne River Bridge, fisheries, trade facilitation, agriculture and energy co-operation.

Both leaders agreed to work within a three-month framework to advance and finalise several of the outstanding matters, with the aim of strengthening trade ties and further integrating the two neighbouring economies.

President Ali, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, said he welcomed the “shared commitment” between the two countries to deepen co-operation and friendship.

“I was delighted to speak to my friend and our neighbour, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on various opportunities and challenges ahead of us. I was pleased at our shared commitment in deepening our partnership and friendship to ensure further economic co-operation, expansion of trade, and integration of our economies,” President Ali said.

President Geerlings-Simons also described the discussions as “constructive and friendly,” noting that climate change and increased flooding in both countries formed a major part of the engagement.

She said the two countries underscored the need for stronger collaboration to address environmental and infrastructural challenges.

“It has been agreed that the Ministers of Public Works of both countries will co-operate on the water problem and infrastructural measures at the technical level,” the Surinamese President stated.

The Surinamese Head of State added that discussions also focused on expanding socio-economic co-operation, particularly in oil and gas, fisheries and river-passage issues involving the Corantijn River.

The leaders further agreed to reconvene shortly under the Suriname-Guyana Strategic Dialogue and Co-operation Platform, while also involving the private sector in future collaboration efforts.

The engagement comes as both Guyana and Suriname continue to strengthen ties amid growing economic transformation driven by the energy sector and regional infrastructural development.

Last September, the Heads of State met in Nickerie, Suriname, and reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and co-operation that exist between Suriname and Guyana, rooted in their shared values and aspirations, cultural ties, and geographic proximity. They expressed their mutual commitment to further deepen the bilateral partnership to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

“[We] recognise that this bilateral initiative is also an integral part of the interconnectivity within the Amazon Region,” Dr Ali had stated, noting the strategic importance of enhanced links between Guyana and Suriname.

The Guyana-Suriname bridge, once completed, is expected to be a key link in fostering stronger ties among South American and Caribbean nations, boosting trade flows and unlocking untapped tourism opportunities. The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is set to construct the US$236 million project bridge over the Corentyne River.

Designed to last 100 years, the bridge, which will span approximately 3.1 kilometres, is set to connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing point on Long Island in the Corentyne River. Guyana has earmarked GY$5 billion (US$23.9 million) for the project in its 2025 budget.

Plans are underway to transform Long Island into a vibrant commercial hub and tourist hotspot.