Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Desi Bouterse of Suriname

On November 27, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Desi Bouterse of Suriname at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state announced the establishment of China-Suriname strategic partnership of cooperation.

Xi Jinping pointed out, Suriname is one of the first Caribbean countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 43 years ago, we have always supported, understood and trusted each other. China-Suriname relations have been at the forefront of the relations between China and Caribbean countries for a long time, and can be considered a model of friendly relations and equal treatment between countries of different sizes. The development of bilateral relations is in an important historical period, and the Chinese side is willing to work with the Surinamese side to take the opportunity of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative to uplift bilateral relations to new heights.

Xi Jinping emphasized, China and Suriname should adhere to and carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and continue to understand and support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns. The Chinese government and the Chinese people are determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and national unity, and thank Suriname for its strong support. The Chinese side will also, as always, support the Surinamese side's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and accelerate economic and social development. The two sides need to deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, communications and energy, and explore cooperation in new areas such as new energy, digital economy, tourism and ocean economy. The Chinese side encourages more capable Chinese companies to invest and start business in Suriname. Suriname is one of the countries with the largest overseas Chinese population in the Caribbean area. It is necessary to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges and strengthen cooperation in areas such as education and law enforcement. The Chinese side will send a medical expert panel to Suriname. The two sides should maintain communication and coordination on global issues, practice multilateralism, build an open world economy and safeguard the common interests of both countries and all developing countries. The Chinese side is willing to continue to speak out from a sense of justice for the Surinamese side on multilateral occasions and work together with the international community including the Surinamese side to participate in the multilateral process on global climate in a constructive manner.

Xi Jinping pointed out, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries are developing countries and constitute an important part of international emerging forces. The Chinese side has always respected the right of Latin American people to choose their own development path and supported the process of Latin American integration and the handling of regional issues through dialogue and consultation. The great development of China-Latin America relations in recent years has brought tangible benefits to both sides and also contributed to promoting regional prosperity and stability. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Latin American side to advance the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and promote China-Latin America cooperation for in-depth and practical development in line with the principles of equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win results.

Desi Bouterse extended congratulations on the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and believed that under President Xi Jinping's leadership, socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era will surely be a success and will bring benefits to the Chinese people and people around the world. Desi Bouterse said, my visit to China carries historical and political significance. Suriname and China enjoy a long-standing friendship. The Surinamese side firmly upholds the One China principle and supports China in realizing the great cause of reunification. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and the Surinamese side resolutely opposes any interference in China's internal affairs. The Chinese government is entitled to take counter-terrorism measures to safeguard China's security and stability, especially in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Surinamese side is grateful for the Chinese side's help in its economic and social development, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to enhance exchanges at all levels, cement political mutual trust, expand economic and trade cooperation, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and take the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to upgrade bilateral strategic relations. Unilateralism undermines national sovereignty and equality, and has severe consequences on Latin America as well as on regional and international situation. The Surinamese side stands ready to work with the Chinese side to safeguard multilateralism, international law and basic norms governing international relations. The Surinamese side is ready to play an active role in promoting the development of Latin America-China relations.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements including a cooperation plan on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and mutual exemption of visas across the board between China and Suriname.

The two countries jointly issued the Joint Press Communique Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Suriname.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Desi Bouterse at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Peng Liyuan, Yang Jiechi, Shen Yueyue, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Shao Hong and others were present.