Warm friendship between China and Suriname
Ambassador highlights role of Chinese community in local development
In a February interview with a Surinamese television station, Lin Ji, the Chinese ambassador to the country, shared insights on the progress of China-Suriname relations and the important role of the Chinese community in local development.
He emphasized that the bilateral relationship goes beyond an economic partnership; it is a blend of cultural affinity, mutual respect and a commitment to shared progress.
Reflecting on his initial impressions of Suriname, Lin described the Caribbean country as a place of "stunning natural beauty, rich resources, diverse cultures, and warm, hospitable people".
Having arrived in the country in November 2024, he spoke fondly of the harmonious multicultural society and its remarkable achievements in nation-building since gaining independence in 1975.
"What has impressed me the most is the friendliness of the Surinamese people toward China and their strong enthusiasm for developing China-Suriname relations," he told the ATV television station, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the local community.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1976, China and Suriname have maintained a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and support. Lin highlighted the steady strengthening of bilateral relations, characterized by growing political trust, frequent high-level exchanges and smooth cooperation across various fields.
In 2019, this bond reached new heights when the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic cooperative partnership. Suriname was one of the first Caribbean nations to sign a Belt and Road Initiative cooperation agreement.
In recent years, China-Suriname trade has experienced continued growth. Suriname's marine products, agricultural goods and timber exports to China have steadily increased. Chinese aid programs and contracted projects in Suriname have also been highlights of bilateral relations.
"Chinese aid to Suriname has garnered positive social feedback," Lin said. "Completed and ongoing projects include the Wanica Regional Hospital, 350 units of low-cost housing, the first phase of the Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center, agricultural supplies, road monitoring systems and the national broadband network."
Chinese enterprises have been contributors to bilateral relations and local economic growth, being involved in sectors such as transportation, power supply, telecommunications, energy development and urban construction. Notable projects include the construction or renovation of buildings including the Surinamese foreign ministry's office building and infrastructure projects such as airport expressways and national road systems, according to Lin.
"As BRI projects continue to progress smoothly, the people of Suriname are experiencing the tangible benefits brought by Chinese construction," Lin noted.
In 2024, Chinese companies signed several new key projects in Suriname, including the construction of 100 fruit and vegetable greenhouses for the Surinamese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and a canal restoration project. Additionally, initiatives involving the development of agricultural greenhouses, petroleum exploration and infrastructure rehabilitation are in the pipeline, according to Lin.
The Chinese community, with more than 170 years of history in Suriname, has played an important role in the country's social and economic development, as well as in the advancement of China-Suriname relations.
Lin said: "The Chinese community has successfully integrated into local society, living harmoniously with other ethnic groups.
"At the same time, the Chinese community plays a bridging role, introducing Chinese companies to invest in Suriname and organizing trips for Surinamese enterprises to participate in China's national-level exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo and China Import and Export Fair, thereby aiding Surinamese products in reaching the Chinese market."
Cultural exchange remains a cornerstone of the China-Suriname relationship. The Chinese community in Suriname promotes mutual understanding and friendship through annual cultural performances and celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and Double Ninth Festival. Suriname is the first country in South America to recognize Chinese New Year as a public holiday.
Expressing confidence in the future, Lin emphasized the solid foundation and broad prospects for the continued enhancement of China-Suriname relations, and China's readiness to work hand in hand with Suriname to take the bilateral relationship to the next level and push forward cooperation under China's Three Global Initiatives, which are the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.
"We aim to deepen communication and cooperation between the governments, legislatures, political parties and local governments of the two countries. By enhancing political mutual trust, we will continue to support each other on core issues and major concerns," Lin said.
Within the BRI framework, Lin noted that China will continue supporting Chinese companies to invest in Suriname and welcome Suriname to expand its exports to China. He added that China will provide further support for Suriname's economic growth and livelihood enhancement, including training more professionals.
In addition to economic and political exchanges, enhancing cultural ties is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and friendship, Lin said, adding that China will continue to host a variety of cultural events and invite Chinese artistic troupes to perform in Suriname.
huyuyan@chinadaily.com.cn
