Suriname and Guyana Presidents Advance Plans for Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge

Suriname and Guyana Presidents Advance Plans for Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge

Suriname and Guyana Presidents Advance Plans for Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge

Suriname and Guyana Presidents Advance Plans for Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge

In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and cooperation between their two neighboring countries, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname and President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana convened for follow-up discussions on March 23, 2024, at Soesdyke, Guyana. The primary agenda of the meeting was to advance plans for the construction of a bridge over the Corantijn/Corentyne River.

Accompanied by their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Public Works, both Presidents engaged in intensive consultations regarding the technical and financial aspects of the proposed bridge project. Careful consideration was given to the recommendations received, taking into account political, domestic, and international elements.

The envisioned bridge holds significant importance in the broader context of South American connectivity, aiming to bolster regional integration and trilateral cooperation between Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil. Both Presidents emphasized the positive reception from the President of Brazil, Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva, during the recent trilateral summit in Guyana.

Recognizing the historical and friendly relations between their countries, the leaders highlighted the potential for Suriname and Guyana to emerge as major players in energy and food security in the region. The bridge project is expected to enhance the flow of people, strengthen agricultural cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote tourism, contributing to sustainable economic growth and prosperity for both nations.

To advance the project, the responsible teams of Ministers will engage in discussions on pricing, technical aspects, financing, and operational modalities, aiming to optimize affordability and concessionality. Additionally, experts from both countries will collaborate on a political and legal framework, tendering process, and drafting agreements for joint management of the bridge.

Clear timelines have been set for the finalization of these activities, with regular reporting to the Heads of State. President Santokhi and President Ali also agreed to convene the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP) in early May 2024 to address other relevant areas of strategic importance between the two countries.

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