Suriname

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Suriname witnessed positive headway in their friendly relations and cooperation, deepened collaboration in various fields and continued mutual support and cooperation in international affairs.

The two countries maintained close high-level exchanges. In June, during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, President Xi Jinping met with President Desire Bouterse of Suriname. In March, President Bouterse sent a letter of congratulation to President Xi Jinping on his assumption of office. In the second half of June, President Bouterse attended the Second World Peace Forum in China and paid a state visit. During the visit, President Xi Jinping and Vice President Li Yuanchao met with him respectively. The two countries signed several agreements covering visa, agriculture, economic and technical cooperation and other fields. In August, Surinamese Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hendrik Setrowidjojo attended the First China-Latin America and the Caribbean Agricultural Ministers' Forum in China. In November, Surinamese Foreign Minister Winston Lackin paid an unofficial visit to China.

In March, the new Chinese ambassador to Suriname Yang Zigang presented his credentials to Surinamese President Bouterse.

The two countries enjoyed deeper business ties and dynamic cultural exchanges. The National Infrastructure Project Phase III built with Chinese assistance was completed. The low-income housing program was proceeding smoothly. In January, the art troupe "Cultures of China, Festival of Spring" visited and performed in Suriname. In October, the "Culture China" art group attended the celebration of the 160th Anniversary of the First Chinese Settlement in Suriname and staged performance. In the same month, Johnny Ricardo Antonius, policy advisor to the Surinamese Minister of Defense, attended the Forum for Senior Defense Officials from Caribbean and South Pacific Countries held in China.