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Mr L Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, has today 06 July arrived in Haiti after concluding a successful visit to Suriname.
While in Suriname, the Deputy Minister held bilateral discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE. Mr W Lackin. During the visit to Suriname, the two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. The MoU will serve as a framework for the two countries to manage their bilateral relations and will further help to strengthen diplomatic relations.

The Deputy Minister also payed a courtesy call on the Governor of the Central Bank of Suriname, Mr Gilmore Hoefdraad. The two exchanged views on various pertinent issues and also echoed the need for South Africa and Suriname to find common areas of cooperation.

Suriname and South Africa enjoy cordial reciprocal diplomatic relations since 1995.  Suriname was represented in the Global African Diaspora Summit held in South Africa in 2012.  The economy of Suriname is dominated by the mining industry, with exports of oil, gold and alumina accounting for about 85% of its exports.

During his visit to Haiti, the Deputy Minister is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the Minister of Foreign affairs, HE Lener Renauld.  The Deputy Minister will also pay a courtesy call on President Martelly.

Haiti is the fourth country the Deputy Minister is visiting during his five nation tour to the Caribbean.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION