Canada-Suriname relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Suriname have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975. Canada’s longstanding development programming supports Suriname’s efforts to achieve its development goals.
Canada is represented in Suriname by the High Commission of Canada to Guyana, in Georgetown and has an Honorary Consul in Paramaribo.
Trade relations
In 2023, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Suriname was valued $4.9 million. Exports for 2023 were valued at $29.4 million and imports were valued at $19.6 million.
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Development
Canada’s development program is focused on mutual priorities such as climate and economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, the advancement of gender equality, and support for Indigenous peoples and Tribal peoples.
Following the 2017 hurricane season that devastated the Caribbean, Canada announced a 5-year to support Suriname and the region. This pledge was fulfilled in 2022 and included strengthened natural disaster planning and response through organizations such as the . In May 2024, Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CDEMA to improve tactical mobility coordination for enhanced disaster response. Canada continues to advocate for small island and low-lying states in the Caribbean, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
At the 2023 Canada-CARICOM Leaders' Summit - the first to be hosted on Canadian soil – Canada made several announcements that benefit Suriname, including a $58.5 million initiative in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank for renewable energy and grid modernization, a $10 million Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and a $6 million contribution to the Caribbean Climate Smart Fund for clean energy. In February 2024, at the 46th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Canada reiterated its commitment to the region by announcing $39.2 million in further funding for four new international assistance projects aimed at advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, food security, economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, health, and gender equality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada redirected programming to respond to Surinamese and Caribbean needs, including to address gender-based violence, income support and essential services, training and technical assistance for health professionals, as well as supplies and personal protective equipment.
A principle means of support to the Caribbean is technical assistance and training to increase the capacity of governments and organizations. For instance, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments, including Suriname, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.
Suriname also benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Canada’s support through non-governmental organizations and multilateral organizations, such as the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Information on Canadian development initiatives is available on .
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Security
Canada and Suriname collaborate in the security sector. Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program is active through regional projects aimed at strengthening cybersecurity; preventing migrant smuggling and human trafficking; delivering training on addressing illicit trafficking through containerized cargo and strengthening the gender accountability of legal frameworks pertaining to small arms. Furthermore, since 2009 the Program has supported Op ACKEE with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command to mentor, enable, and create opportunities for the Jamaica Defence Force to grow as a Special Operations Forces leader and more effectively combat trans-regional threats in the Caribbean Basin. Other regional partners include Belize, the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname.
The Canadian Armed Forces and the Suriname National Army both participate in a multinational maritime interdiction, ground security and interagency exercise called Exercise TRADEWINDS.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Suriname work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Bank (WB)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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