“Neighbours by geography, partners by necessity, friends by choice” – PM

 …as Guyana Govt recommits to strengthening energy, infrastructure, trade and security ties with Suriname

Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with neighbouring Suriname, with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips declaring that the two states remain firmly bound by geography, shared development goals, and a strong foundation of mutual respect.
The Prime Minister delivered the remarks on Saturday evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where Guyana joined Suriname in celebrating its 50th independence anniversary.
Addressing dignitaries, diplomats and members of the private sector, Prime Minister Phillips extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of Suriname on reaching their Golden Jubilee milestone. He praised the country’s cultural pride, national resilience and progress over the past five decades, noting that the celebration coincides with another significant marker—50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and Suriname.

In his featured remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the enduring and strategic ties between the two nations, describing them as “neighbours by geography, partners by necessity, and friends by choice.” He noted that the bilateral relationship has matured into one defined by cooperation across multiple sectors, including regional integration efforts, people-to-people connections, and shared aspirations for economic prosperity.
“Guyana and Suriname have set an example for the region and the world—showing that neighbours can collaborate meaningfully; that shared development is not a slogan but a practical path forward,” he stated. “Whether in energy, infrastructure, trade, security, or people-to-people connections, our cooperation reflects the maturity and trust that our leaders have worked tirelessly to build and maintain.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to strengthening these partnerships, particularly as both nations advance plans to transform the Guyana–Suriname corridor into a model of regional integration. He emphasised ongoing collaboration in areas such as food and energy security, climate resilience, cross-border infrastructure development, and sustainable growth.

“Guyana recommits to working together to transform the Guyana–Suriname corridor into a model of regional integration; to deepen collaboration in food and energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable development,” he said, stressing that both countries stand to benefit significantly from sustained cooperation.
Saturday’s celebration, attended by senior government officials, members of civil society, and the diplomatic corps, was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Suriname in Guyana and the Suriname–Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC). The event marked not only Suriname’s 50th Independence Anniversary but also half a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations—an occasion described as historic and symbolic of the strong regional bonds the two states continue to nurture.
Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal, along with Prime Minister Phillips’ wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; and Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, were among the dignitaries in attendance. The high-level cultural gathering showcased Surinamese heritage and underscored the shared cultural and economic ties that continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Embassy and SGCC expressed appreciation to Guyana’s media and private sector for supporting the celebration, noting that the anniversary serves as a meaningful reminder of the two countries’ shared history and future prospects.