Surinamese President Jennifer Simons receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Suriname looks forward to consolidating and expanding relations with China as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has said.

The two countries have achieved fruitful results in high-level exchanges, infrastructure construction, green development, people-to-people exchanges and multilateral cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples, she said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Noting that Suriname established diplomatic relations with China in the very first year after its independence, Simons said developing ties with China has long been a priority in Suriname's foreign policy.

Over the past half century, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and steadily advanced cooperation projects, fostering strong people-to-people bonds and practical cooperation, she said.

Commenting on the evolving international landscape, Simons said China, as a major country with significant global influence, plays an important role in promoting global development and safeguarding peace.

Suriname's development and prosperity depend heavily on a peaceful and stable international order, she said, expressing hope that more countries with resources and influence will work to maintain global stability.

Simons said China's four major global initiatives proposed in recent years have helped move the international community in the right direction, adding that Suriname highly values these initiatives.

Recalling her participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly last year, Simons said she had called on all countries to work within the UN framework to ensure that every country has a voice.

Suriname will continue to work with China at both bilateral and multilateral levels, she added.

On economic, trade and development cooperation, Simons said Chinese companies have actively contributed to improving the living standards of the Surinamese people.

Simons has attended the handover ceremony of a Chinese-built village micro-grid photovoltaic project, speaking highly of its contribution to Suriname's national strategy of providing electricity access to all villages and promoting sustainable development.

Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding with China on Belt and Road cooperation in May 2018. Since then, the two countries have carried out a number of cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, bringing tangible benefits to the Surinamese people.

The Safe City project has enhanced traffic management and public security. The China-aided Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center has introduced advanced planting technologies and new crop varieties to help strengthen food security. Chinese companies have also been deeply involved in bridge and road construction, improving local transport conditions.

Simons said the country looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in these areas to further improve people's livelihoods.

More than 90 percent of Suriname's territory is covered by forests, making it one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world. At the same time, the country remains highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Speaking of green development cooperation, Simons said China has advanced and efficient green technologies that can help Suriname diversify its energy mix, expressing hope that the two countries will continue to strengthen cooperation in green development and jointly contribute to global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Simons also noted that the friendship between Suriname and China enjoys a long history. Chinese immigrants were among the earliest immigrant groups to arrive in Suriname and have long lived in harmony with local society, becoming an important part of the country's multicultural fabric.

The first group of Chinese immigrants arrived in Suriname in 1853 and actively participated in the country's economic and social development. Today, Chinese culture and the Chinese community have become deeply integrated into local society.

In 2014, the Spring Festival was officially designated as a public holiday in Suriname, and annual celebrations now attract people from different ethnic groups.

"The long distance has not hindered us in developing a good relationship, friendly and of course with both of our peoples," Simons said on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"We congratulate the Surinamese people and the Chinese people on these 50 years. And we're looking forward to the next 50 years." ■

Surinamese President Jennifer Simons receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, May 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)