Suriname - Jean-Noël Barrot’s meeting with Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting on 2 July 2026 with Mr Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, on the sidelines of the Regional Security Conference held by France in Martinique on 2 and 3 July.

The Minister warmly congratulated Mr Bouva, who announced [that Suriname is] joining the Franco-Mexican initiative to suspend the right of veto at the United Nations Security Council in cases of mass atrocities.

The two ministers discussed security issues in the Caribbean and reaffirmed their shared desire to step up regional cooperation to more effectively combat the illicit businesses – particularly drug trafficking and illegal gold mining – that affect the region. In this regard, the Minister welcomed Suriname’s commitment to supporting the Martinique appeal currently under discussion at the Regional Security Conference. 

The talks also focused on bilateral cooperation, in particular the challenges posed by management of the common border between France and Suriname. In this regard, the ratification of the border protocol signed in 2021 will represent a major step forward and will help increase the effectiveness of cooperation in the fight against illicit cross-border activities, in particular illegal gold mining. The two ministers agreed to continue close dialogue on the issue, for the benefit of the region’s security, stability and sustainable development.