Today, I had the honor of presenting my credentials to the President of the Republic of Suriname. The reception was consistent with the warm hospitality that my wife Patricia and I have enjoyed since taking our first steps onto the tarmac at Johan Adolf Pengel Airport on December 9. We have been impressed by the friendship extended by the Surinamers we have met so far, as well as by the international business community and our colleagues in the diplomatic corps.
I arrive in Suriname at a time in which the country is facing difficult economic conditions, but I am optimistic for the future of our bilateral relations. I look forward to cooperating with the Government of Suriname on areas of mutual interest and benefit, from trade to climate change to combatting trafficking in persons. I also hope to see the constructive relationship between our two militaries continue to broaden during my tenure. We stand ready to explore the full range of assistance we can provide to Suriname’s institutions and to explore bilateral and regional opportunities for collaboration.
On behalf of the President of the United States and the entire Embassy staff, I extend my hand in friendship to the people of Suriname.
