PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has officially received Glyne Michelo, Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, accrediting him as the Non-Resident Ambassador to Suriname. The ceremony, held in Paramaribo, saw Michelo honored with a military guard of honor.
President Santokhi called on Zambian companies to invest in Suriname, citing the nation’s significant potential in mining, agriculture, and forestry. “Suriname is a nation on the rise, rich in resources and focused on sustainable economic development. We have ample land for investment,” he said.
Santokhi highlighted the prospects in Suriname’s energy sector, revealing that the country’s first offshore oil production is expected to commence in 2028. The state-owned oil company Staatsolie, which currently produces 17,000 barrels per day, presents a potential area for collaboration.
In response, Ambassador Michelo expressed gratitude and conveyed a message of goodwill from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, emphasizing the desire to strengthen bilateral relations. He outlined areas for cooperation, including tropical agriculture, crop diversification, and sustainable farming practices.
Michelo proposed joint agricultural research projects, trade facilitation, and market access for agricultural products, leveraging regional trade agreements like SADC and the Caribbean Community. He also highlighted Zambia’s expertise in the mining sector, offering support in exploring Suriname’s copper deposits and developing its mining industry.
The ambassador suggested educational exchanges, with Surinamese students studying at Zambia’s Schools of Mining. In the energy sector, Michelo advocated for joint ventures in hydropower, solar, and bioenergy, and learning from Suriname’s offshore wind energy explorations.
Suriname, located on South America’s northeastern Atlantic coast, is rich in natural resources and biodiversity, making it an attractive destination for investment.
