As Suriname’s oil and gas industry expands, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to cooperating with Guyana to further develop the sector.
In a recent interview with the News Room, Ambassador Blankendal noted that Suriname has been producing oil and gas for over 45 years. However, with offshore production now underway, discussions with Guyana have intensified.
“Both governments—Guyana and Suriname—have already been in talks to see how we can work together, share knowledge, and make the best out of our oil and gas industry.
“Now with the offshore industry, we are also looking at the way Guyana did things so that we can learn from Guyana,” the Ambassador said.
Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal during her interview with the News Room. (Photo: News Room)
She believes both countries are on the right path.
Suriname’s state-run oil company, Staatsolie, has signed a production sharing agreement (PSA) with Shell, while TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Petronas have signed PSAs for three offshore oil and gas blocks.
Suriname currently produces hydrocarbons in onshore areas but has the potential to become a global energy player with production both onshore and offshore.
Discussions between the two countries include the possibility of developing a common strategy for the industry. These discussions also extend to local content policies, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, security, and establishing stronger linkages between Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil.
Blankendal said that with Suriname’s new President, Jennifer Simons of the National Democratic Party—also the country’s first female President—further bilateral discussions are expected.
“We’ve just recently had a new government—our first female President—which is commendable. I believe that in the not-too-distant future, both Presidents will meet to advance the bilateral agenda and explore areas of mutual interest,” Ambassador Blankendal said.
Already, cross-border investments are underway following these talks. Last week, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen ties between their tourism industries. Trade missions have also been hailed as successful by the Ambassador.
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