Oil and gas cooperation took centre stage during Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s official visit to Suriname, with both countries signalling interest in closer technical engagement as Suriname advances development of its emerging offshore petroleum sector.
Rodríguez visited Suriname from September 10 to 11, 2026, at the invitation of Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. The visit concluded with the signing of 10 bilateral documents aimed at strengthening cooperation in several areas, including energy, agriculture, trade, tourism, transport, education and technical collaboration.
The press release pointed to Venezuela’s extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and said the country could provide valuable support to Suriname through knowledge-sharing, capacity development and technical cooperation.
“Venezuela has many years of experience in this sector,” President Geerlings-Simons said, noting that the potential partnership involves more than technical expertise. “It is not only about knowledge and capacity, but also about experience.”
Discussions also addressed opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and food security, tourism, trade and people-to-people relations. President Geerlings-Simons highlighted domestic food production as an important complement to energy-led growth, noting that food security and economic diversification must remain national priorities.
Formalising Cooperation
The formal program began on September 11 with a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace, where the two leaders oversaw the signing of 10 documents to deepen bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Geerlings-Simons proposed that the Suriname–Venezuela Political Consultation Mechanism and the Suriname–Venezuela Joint Committee meet during the first half of 2027. These bodies are expected to support continued dialogue and create a framework for advancing technical cooperation, including possible energy-sector initiatives.
Rodríguez said the visit should help deepen commercial relations and strengthen the broader bilateral partnership between Suriname and Venezuela.
Suriname’s interest in strengthened energy ties comes as it prepares to assume the CARICOM chairmanship in January 2027. The role may provide further opportunities for dialogue on regional energy security, technical capacity and economic integration.
(Photo: Facebook/Communicatie Dienst Suriname – CDS)
