A parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Suriname, led by H.E. Mr Marinus Bee, Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname, called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 5, 2024).
Welcoming the delegation, the President said that India-Suriname relations are characterized by warmth and friendship, and based on excellent people-to-people contacts, linkages in our cultures and traditions, as well as commonalities in our approach to issues of global importance.
The President noted that the year 2023 was very important in terms of high-level exchanges between the two countries; beginning with the visit of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi to India in January 2023 on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, followed by her own State Visit to Suriname in June 2023 – her first visit abroad after taking office as President. The President recalled fondly her participation in the special commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, and the warm welcome that was extended by the government and people of Suriname.
The President said that there is great potential in the bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Suriname, including in the fields of health, Ayurveda, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technologies, education, culture and tourism.
The President added that parliamentary exchanges are important as they provide an opportunity for interaction between our two democracies. She expressed confidence that during this visit, members of the delegation would learn more about the strong and vibrant democratic systems of India.