PARAMARIBO, Suriname – The governments of Suriname and French Guiana have both emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing issues that affect both countries.
During a recent meeting held here, Elizabeth Bradley, Director of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, stated that strong cooperation is necessary in uncertain times. She emphasized the need to pay special attention to the shared water resources of the border rivers Marowijne, Lawa, and Tapanahony.
Bradley warned of the impact of climate change and irresponsible human behavior on these important resources and called peaceful cooperation an indispensable core value.
Antoine Poussier, Préfect of French Guiana, underlined the importance of joint efforts to conserve natural resources and ensure safety along the rivers.
He emphasized that the border between Suriname and the French territory of French Guiana is more than 600 km long, making it one of the longest border lines in the French Republic.
The meeting of the River Council was held is to promote efficient implementation of cross-border cooperation between Suriname and French Guiana as well as the joint management of the border rivers and surrounding areas, as laid down in the 2021 joint declaration.
During the meeting, the third of the council, participants addressed important themes such as the environment, river management, social issues, and border security.
The River Council, according to the representatives of the two countries, remains an important platform for dialogue and cooperation, with the aim of developing the border area sustainably and promoting the interests of both countries and their communities.
The results of the meeting will be shared by means of reports with the management of the various agencies involved and other institutions of Suriname and French Guiana in order to refine the policy regarding the border area and to better coordinate it in order to develop the area to mutual advantage.
