South America and South Atlantic Islands

Suriname
Last reviewed: 4 July 2008

Country information

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Relations with the International Community

Suriname’s long-standing maritime border dispute with Guyana was settled in September 2007 when the UN Tribunal on the Law of the Sea awarded two-thirds of the disputed area to Guyana. Suriname still claims territory between New (Upper Corentyne) and Corentyne/Kutari (Koetari) rivers (all headwaters of the Corentyne). French Guiana disputes the area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa). Suriname is a trans-shipment point for illicit South American drugs destined for Europe and Brazil. It is also a trans-shipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing.

Relations with the UK

UK/Suriname relations are friendly. Our High Commissioner at Georgetown also holds the position of Ambassador to Suriname. In June 2002, the UK signed a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Suriname.