Notícias
Press release n. 545
Joint Declaration on the occasion of the first Political Consultation Mechanism Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Brazil and Suriname
At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, H.E. Albert Ramdin, the Minister of External Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E. Mauro Vieira, paid a visit to Suriname, in the period 24-25 November, 2023, on the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Suriname.
Within the framework of the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of the Republic of Suriname for the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism”, signed on 16 February 2005, the First Political Consultation Mechanism Meeting was held between both Ministers, in the margins of the above-mentioned commemoration.
Said bilateral meeting is the outcome of the joint follow-up commitment to intensify regular consultations to discuss and, where necessary, revise all aspects of the existing excellent bilateral relations
Both Ministers had a constructive exchange of views in the spirit of strengthening and deepening understanding of common interest, at the bilateral, regional and international level.
They reiterated the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite their countries, within the framework of good neighbourliness and expresed respect for the principles of International Law as well as the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
They underscored the importance of promoting the conservation of biodiversity and the natural resources of the Amazon region, as well as promoting the sustainable development of the Region within the framework of the Organization of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, signed on 3 July 1978.
On the bilateral and regional agenda both Ministers agreed to the following:
1. Express appreciation for the existing portfolio of technical cooperation projects under implementation in areas considered priorities by both governments.
2. Endorse the efforts for the implementation of the II Meeting for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Technical Cooperation Programme in the Republic of Suriname in the second trimester of 2024 and of a subsequent prospection mission in preparation for the III Meeting of the Working Group on Technical Cooperation, also in the Republic of Suriname, in the fourth trimester of 2024, with the intention to expand and deepen the existing Brazil-Suriname Technical Cooperation Programme.
3. Commend the Brazilian readiness regarding the support for donations offered in the context of Humanitarian Cooperation.
4. Accelerate the process for ratification of the “Cooperation and Facilitation Investment Agreement between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Suriname”, signed on 2 May 2018, which will contribute to promoting a favourable environment for investment.
5. Welcome the prospect of a Joint Doing Business event aimed at sharing experiences as well as creating a platform for potential opportunities for different stakeholders to collaborate in the spirit of doing business.
6. Recognize the importance of energy cooperation for sustainable development and express their desire to strengthen cooperation in the field of electrical grid integration. Both countries will explore joint efforts in the development of cross-border energy infrastructure, including interconnectors, transmission lines, and renewable energy projects. This collaboration will contribute to energy security, efficiency, and the integration of regional power systems.
7. Reiterate the importance of collaboration in the field of electrical interconnection between Suriname, Brazil, Guyana and French Guyana and suggest inquiring the Inter-American Development Bank about a follow-up strategy for the ARCO Norte Project.
8. Commend the steps taken so far, as well as the discussions held between Petrobras and Staatsolie Maatschappjj Suriname N. V (the National State Oil Company) in the context of exploring possibilities, for cooperation in the fields of exploration and production; carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS); renewable energy; infrastructure; and oil spill contingency planning, preparedness and response.
9. Reiterate the relevancy to strengthen cooperation on public security, including cybersecurity, and intensify join actions to combat transnational organized crime at bilateral and regional levels.
10. Commend the commitment of both countries to the cooperation agenda on defense, especially capacity building and training.
11. Reiterate the importance of further strengthening the bilateral consular- and migration relationship and in this regard welcome the convening of the III Migration and Consular Working Group Meeting in the second semester of 2024 in Paramaribo to further the discussions.
12. Underscore their strong commitment to upholding democracy and democratic principles, the adherence to good governance and the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
13. On regional and international agenda, both Ministers reaffirm their commitment to actively contribute to endeavors related to regional stability. Both countries will support and promote regional initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, post-conflict reconstruction, and peacekeeping operations.
14. Recognize the importance of South American integration and commit to promoting regional cooperation and unity. Both countries will support initiatives that enhance economic integration, connectivity, and cooperation in various sectors. Both countries will work towards strengthening existing regional organizations and exploring new avenues for cooperation, with the aim of fostering solidarity and prosperity among South American nations. In this sense, reiterate and welcome South American countries commitment to maintaining regular dialogue in areas that concern the immediate needs of citizens, in particular the most vulnerable, as agreed in the Brasilia Consensus, adopted at the Meeting of Presidents of South American Countries on May 30, and in its Roadmap, adopted on October 5, under which were withheld meetings in the areas of health, development financing, infrastructure, and defense.
15. Underscore the need for intensified cooperation among Amazon countries to mobilize international financial and technical assistance to advance an action-oriented climate agenda within the region.
16. In this regard, reiterate the support for the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) and commit to further strengthen cooperation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the fight against deforestation in the Amazon region.
17. Express their commitment to work together through regional and international agreements recognizing the global challenges of environmental conservation and climate change.
18. In this context both the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Suriname will participate actively in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, contributing to the global efforts to addressing climate change and promote sustainable development.
19. Also underscore the importance of international financial instruments that should be closely examined and adjusted where necessary to promote more effective project financing for Amazon rainforest development.
20. Reiterate the importance of concrete actions and joint strategies, which will make it possible to develop available natural resources in a sustainable way, to promote Amazon rainforest communities and national economies.
21. The Minister of Foreign Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, expressed appreciation to the Republic of Suriname for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
Signed in Paramaribo on the 24th day of November 2023.
FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME FOR THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
ALBERT RAMDIN MAURO VIEIRA