WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States Department of State has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on Friday, congratulating her on her election and discussing ways to strengthen the US-Suriname partnership.
The State Department said the partnership involves supporting security cooperation, energy security, and regional stability.
“Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ strong and growing relationship with Suriname, grounded in shared interests and a mutual commitment to prosperity in the hemisphere,” the statement said.
“He welcomed Suriname’s efforts to strengthen investment policies,” it added, stating that Rubio and Geerlings-Simons also discussed opportunities to expand US private sector engagement and support Suriname’s economic diversification.
The State Department stated that Rubio had also congratulated Jennifer Geerlings-Simons a week ago on her election as the first female President of Suriname.
“Suriname and the United States have a strong and growing partnership built on shared democratic values and a mutual dedication to regional stability and prosperity,” said Rubio, who was born in Miami to Cuban immigrants.
Suriname’s efforts to promote transparent business practices, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen democratic institutions are key components for continued development and long-term investment.
“We encourage continued US private sector engagement and support Suriname’s efforts to foster economic growth and diversify its economy, and limit CCP influence,” continued Rubio, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.
Suriname Parliament voted to elect Geerlings-Simons, 71, as the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community member-state’s next president after the May 25 parliamentary poll.
In that poll, Geerlings-Simons’s opposition National Democratic Party captured 18 seats, incumbent President Chan Santokhi’s Progressive Reform Party won 17 seats, and the smaller parties captured the other 16 seats in the 51-seat Legislature.
“I come into this office to serve, and I will use all my knowledge, strength, and insight to make our wealth available to all of our people,” said Geerlings-Simons briefly, in the vote to elect her president.
“I am very aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders, a responsibility compounded for me by the fact that I am the first woman to hold this office,” she added. “I do not need many words. My thanks, and we will get to work.”
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