Oil and gas cooperation took centre stage during Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodr\u00edguez\u2019s official visit to Suriname, with both countries signalling interest in closer technical engagement as Suriname advances development of its emerging offshore petroleum sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rodr\u00edguez visited Suriname from September 10 to 11, 2026, at the invitation of Suriname\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The press release pointed to Venezuela\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVenezuela has many years of experience in this sector,\u201d President Geerlings-Simons said, noting that the potential partnership involves more than technical expertise. \u201cIt is not only about knowledge and capacity, but also about experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formalising Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geerlings-Simons proposed that the Suriname\u2013Venezuela Political Consultation Mechanism and the Suriname\u2013Venezuela 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rodr\u00edguez said the visit should help deepen commercial relations and strengthen the broader bilateral partnership between Suriname and Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suriname\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n