Joint Press Communique Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Suriname

1.At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, Hon. Desiré Bouterse, President of the Republic of Suriname, is on a state visit to China from November 27 to 30.

2.During the visit, President Desiré Bouterse held talks with President Xi Jinping and met with Premier Li Keqiang. The two sides had in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and other issues of shared interest, and reached important consensus. President Bouterse and his delegation visited Beijing and will visit Zhejiang Province.

3.Suriname extended warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, highly commended the great achievements made by China in the process of development, and expressed its confidence that under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Chinese people will realize the Two Centenary Goals.

China expressed appreciation for the achievements made by Suriname in national development and wished Suriname greater progress in its economic and social development.

4.The two heads of state agreed that the time-honored tradition of friendship between China and Suriname is a precious asset to the two peoples. The two sides decided to upgrade their relationship to a strategic partnership of cooperation in light of the strengthened bilateral relations as evidenced by enhanced political mutual trust, and abundant fruits of cooperation in various areas and with a view to advancing the steady and sustained development of the bilateral relations.

5.The two sides agreed that all countries are equal regardless of their size, strength or wealth. In the new era, countries need to develop friendly exchanges on the basis of mutual respect, fairness and justice and win-win cooperation, respect international law and basic norms governing international relations with the UN Charter at the core, endeavor to foster a new type of international relations and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

6.The two sides reaffirmed their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, support for the independent choice of development path suited to their national conditions, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

The two sides agreed that adhering to the one-China principle is the shared consensus of the international community and the essential prerequisite and political foundation of the establishment and development of China-Suriname relations. The Surinamese government reiterated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Suriname expressed its support for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and the efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

7.The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges at the leadership and other levels, expand exchanges and cooperation between government departments, legislatures, political parties and local governments, take full advantage of existing intergovernmental mechanisms, strengthen the exchanges across all levels of social organizations, enterprises, financial institutions, media outlets, academic institutions and local entities, enhance mutual understanding and political trust, and promote people-to-people exchanges by introducing facilitation policies.

8.Suriname spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by the Chinese side, and recognized that the Initiative matches the practical needs of developing countries and provides important opportunities for the development of Suriname and other Latin American and Caribbean countries. On the basis of the memorandum of understanding on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative signed by the two governments in 2018, the two sides agreed to transform their complementarity into advantages in all-round cooperation , uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, pursue open, green and clean cooperation, follow a high-standard, people-centered and sustainable approach, and strengthen practical cooperation in policy, infrastructure, trade,financial and people-to-people connectivity. The two sides signed a cooperation plan on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

9.The Chinese side expressed its readiness to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Suriname and provide support within its capacity to help Suriname develop its economy and improve its people's livelihood. Suriname expressed its appreciation on China for its long-term assistance and acknowledged the important role played by China's assistance in promoting Suriname's economic and social development, which was warmly welcomed by the Surinamese people.

10.The two sides agreed that the purpose of establishing and developing China-Suriname relations is to promote shared development and deliver benefits to the two peoples. The two sides agreed to step up cooperation in such areas as agriculture, science, education, culture, sports and poverty alleviation, enhance the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples, and realize common development. The Chinese government encourages more competitive and reputable Chinese companies to invest and do business in Suriname, and welcomes an expanding export from Suriname to China. As an approved destination for Chinese tour groups, Suriname welcomes the visit of more Chinese tourists.

11.The two sides agreed that the world is undergoing great transformation, changes and adjustment while peace and development are still the main themes of the era, and that countries are increasingly interconnected and interdependent. China and Suriname committed themselves to setting an example for the cooperation between countries of different sizes and national conditions.

12.Both sides agreed to promote democracy in international relations, and expressed their willingness to settle disputes through dialogue, bridge differences through consultation, build an open world economy, facilitate trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, oppose trade protectionism in all forms, support the multilateral trading system, and work together to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

The two ministries of foreign affairs will hold consultations as necessary on the international situation, bilateral relations and issues of common interest at a time agreed upon by both sides.

13.Both sides believed that one of the priorities of UN Security Council Reform should be increasing the representation and voice of developing countries, and that an adequate solution should be found and the broadest possible agreement reached through consultation and consensus building, ensuring that the reform serves the long-term interests of the UN and the common interests of all member states.

The two sides will strengthen coordination within the framework of the UN and other international organizations and multilateral mechanisms, jointly advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and deepen South-South cooperation.

14.China commended Suriname's constructive role in international and regional affairs. Suriname will actively engage in China-CELAC forum to promote the overall cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and make new contributions to the comprehensive and cooperative partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and common development between China and Latin America and the Caribbean in a new era. Both sides agreed to jointly hold a successful China-Caribbean Forum on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

15.The two heads of state witnessed the signing of more than 10 documents in the areas of the Belt and Road Initiative, practical cooperation, judicial assistance, agricultural technology and infrastructure development. The two sides will conscientiously implement the consensus reached by Chinese and Surinamese leaders, and work for continued progress in relevant cooperation programs.

16.The two sides agreed that this visit to China by president Desiré Delano Bouterse is of great significance to promoting the long-term, steady and sustained development of the relations between China and Suriname. President Xi Jinping congratulated President Bouterse on his successful state visit to the People's Republic of China. President Bouterse expressed his appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality.

Beijing, 27 November 2019