Suriname, Venezuela sign hydrocarbon roadmap among 10 cooperation documents

Suriname and Venezuela signed 10 cooperation documents during Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez Gómez’s official visit to Paramaribo on September 11. The agreements cover hydrocarbons, agriculture, fisheries, aviation, tourism, and education. They are intended to deepen bilateral cooperation and deliver practical benefits to both countries.

The documents announced during the signing ceremony included:

• Hydrocarbon roadmap: The two governments signed a roadmap for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector during the 2026–2027 period. Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, Patrick Brunings, and Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Hydrocarbons, Paula Ernau, signed the document. Specific projects and investment values were not announced.

• Hydrocarbon education: The Venezuelan University of Hydrocarbons and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding. It covers knowledge exchange and training connected to hydrocarbons and related services.

• Fisheries and aquaculture: The governments signed an agreement on the development and management of fisheries, aquaculture, and related activities. It covers the sustainable development and responsible management of the sector and fish stocks.

• Agriculture: A memorandum of understanding was signed on agri-food sovereignty and productive alliances. The countries also discussed the possible purchase of Venezuelan urea at affordable prices for Surinamese farmers.

• Air connectivity: The governments signed an air services agreement covering connections between Venezuela and Suriname. It provides a framework to support the movement of people and goods, as well as trade, investment, and tourism.

• Tourism: The countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Suriname’s Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism and Venezuela’s Ministry of People’s Power for Tourism.

• Higher education and vocational training: A framework agreement was signed to support cooperation in higher education and technical and professional training.

• Diplomatic training: Venezuela’s Bolivarian University of Diplomacy for Peace and Suriname’s Diplomatic Institute signed an academic cooperation program for 2026–2029.

• Political affairs: Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Rodríguez signed a joint declaration covering the main matters raised during their bilateral discussions.

Simons said the education agreements include training linked to Suriname’s emerging petroleum industry.

“Special attention has been paid to training courses that align with the development of Suriname’s oil and gas industry, including expertise in the field of hydrocarbons and related services,” she said.

Suriname and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in 1975. Follow-up discussions are planned through their sixth political consultation mechanism and the 10th meeting of the Suriname-Venezuela Mixed Commission.

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