Mexico–Suriname relations

Mexico and Suriname are two American nations with distinct colonial histories. Mexico, like many other nations in the region, was colonized by Spain and gained independence in 1821. Suriname is the only independent nation in the Americas to be colonized by and gain independence from the Netherlands.[1] Immediately after gaining independence, both Mexico and Suriname established diplomatic relations in 1975. In 1982, Suriname opened an embassy in Mexico City, however, in 1986, due to budget restraints, Suriname closed its diplomatic mission and has since accredited its ambassador in Washington, D.C. to Mexico.[2] Mexico has never opened an embassy in Paramaribo, however, it has always maintained an honorary consulate in the capital city.[3]

In 2002, Surinamese President Ronald Venetiaan paid a visit to the city of Monterrey, Mexico to attend the Monterrey Special Summit of the Americas.[4] While there, he met with Mexican President Vicente Fox. In April 2012, Surinamese President Dési Bouterse visited Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to attend the World Economic Forum on Latin America Summit hosted by Mexican President Felipe Calderón.[5] In May 2012, Mexican President Felipe Calderón met with President Dési Bouterse while both leaders were attending the Mexico-Caribbean Community Summit in Barbados.[6]

In 2012, Mexico and Suriname signed an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation.[7] That same year, both nations also signed an Agreement of Cooperation in Agriculture and to train Surinamese diplomats in the Spanish language.[7] Each year, Mexico provides government scholarships to Surinamese students to learn Spanish and/or to study for a master's degrees in Mexico.[2]

In 2017, two-way trade between Mexico and Suriname amounted to $8.1 million USD.[8] Mexico's main exports to Suriname include: paper, milk based products, automobile parts and tequila. Suriname's main exports to Mexico are computer wire connectors.[8] Mexican multinational company Cemex operates in Suriname.[9]

• Mexico is accredited to Suriname from its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and maintains an honorary consulate in Paramaribo.[10]
• Suriname is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C.; United States.[11]