Suriname Diplomat Makes Historic Visit to Russia, Morocco

The Foreign Minister of Suriname Yldiz Pollack-Beighle became the first official from her country to make a formal diplomatic visit to Russia and Morocco, meeting with her counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Tuesday in Russia before traveling on to North Africa.

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"This is the first-ever visit by the head of the Suriname foreign ministry to Russia, which will be a milestone in promoting Russia-Suriname interaction, and is indicative of the fact that our ties with Latin America and the Caribbean region are gradually expanding," Lavrov said.

Pollack-Beighle and Lavrov signed several bilateral accords, including military and visa waivers that, Lavrov said, will, “promote political dialogue, interaction in the material sphere and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.”

Russia’s diplomat saw “other prospective areas of cooperation including renewable energy sources, agriculture, shipbuilding” and tourism.

Pollack-Beighle is seeking to “solicit investments” in Morocco, according to Caribbean News Now. Specifically, Suriname wants to develop resources for its aviation, tourism, agriculture and industrial sectors. It is likely diplomats will agree to bilateral banking and shipping agreements.

The two countries are also seeking cooperation on banking and shipping and are expected to sign visa waiver agreements for their national diplomats.

King Mohammed VI hopes increased relations with Suriname will allow it to create stronger ties with the Caribbean Community.