PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Jennifer Greeling-Simons, Monday, said that the three-day state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands provides a rare opportunity for Suriname and the European country to build a promising future for the people here and in the Netherlands.
The Royal couple arrived here on Sunday night. In an address to the National Assembly, President Greeling-Simons said the two countries are at a historic moment to restore and deepen their relationship with a focus on the future.
In her address, the recently elected head of state called on both countries to acknowledge their shared past and jointly invest in a sustainable and equal future, reshaping “a relationship that has long been characterized by imbalance due to the colonial system and the post-colonial period.
“The future can be made better by not only acknowledging what lies in the past, but also by working together on the process of recovery,” she said, adding that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is ready to shape its own future even as cooperation with the Netherlands, the country of origin and former motherland, remains essential.
“We already spoke today and indicated our willingness to seize this opportunity, because Suriname and the Netherlands have so much in common,” she said, referring to the bilateral discussions earlier between the two heads of state.
But she told legislators that this new phase must be based on equality, a businesslike approach, mutual respect, trust, and friendship.
She said the shared past, including language and legal system, provides a solid foundation for complementary cooperation.
“A large portion of our people live in the Netherlands, and a significant portion of the Dutch population lives in Suriname. That is literally our family,” she said, adding that cooperation must encompass not only the government level, but also the private sector, youth, businesses, and communities on both sides of the ocean.
“We must learn from history, look each other in the eye, process that history, and create a better future together,” she said, noting the opportunities that lie ahead in trade, economics, energy, governance, and social development.
“I ask that all of Suriname become aware of this: that we have a future together, if we dare to face the past.”
In his address, King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the shared history between the two countries, calling also for strengthened cooperation as “equal partners”.
In his brief address, he told legislators that he was a special privilege of being able to address the National Assembly in a common language “7,500 kilometers from home” and that while the Kingdom of the Netherlands may seem geographically distant, “but it is partly European and partly Caribbean….in this region, we are good neighbours”.
He praised the Parliament for its role in uniting a highly diverse population within a single democratic framework.
“It is admirable how you manage to unite so many different population groups within a single democratic framework in this country,” he said, referring to Suriname, which celebrated 50 years of political independence this year as “an inspiring example” of successful integration.
During his three-day visit, the Dutch King is expected to address reparations for the slave trade. He has in the past apologised for his country’s historical involvement in slavery and his royal family’s role. Still, neither he nor the government has directly offered financial reparations to descendants.
He did not shy away from the topic in his address on Monday as he addressed the shared and painful history of four centuries of colonial rule, slavery, and indentured labour.
“The stories of your ancestors are of vital importance to you, and to us as well. They must never be forgotten,” he said, adding that the stories passed down from generation to generation are part of deepening mutual understanding.
The King stated that the Netherlands and Suriname live in a time when democracy, the rule of law, and security are under pressure worldwide, and precisely for this reason, he sees opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
“We want to work with you on resilience, including socially and economically,” he said, adding, “The Netherlands will continue to work with you.
“Know that the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to work with you and all Surinamese people on the path ahead.”
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