A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Suriname

Summary

Suriname was a Dutch colony on the northern coast of South America dating from 1667. Beginning in 1951, Suriname was accorded increasing degrees of autonomy, and was finally granted independence in 1975 from the Netherlands. In 1980 the democratically elected parliamentary government was overthrown; a regime run by the military under Desi Bouterse was installed in its place. Since the reestablishment of a democratic, elected government in 1991, the United States has maintained positive and mutually beneficial relations with Suriname.

Modern Flag of Suriname

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Suriname Independence, 1975.

On November 25, 1975, a ceremony to proclaim Suriname independence was held in the Suriname capital of Paramaribo. The U.S. Secretary of the Navy represented the United States at the ceremony. That same day, U.S. President Gerald Ford wrote a letter to Suriname President Johan Henri Eliza Ferrier in which he extended the recognition of Suriname by the United States Government and stated that he hoped for the prompt establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy in Suriname, 1975.

The United States Diplomatic relations and the American Embassy in Paramaribo were established on November 25, 1975, with Robert L. Flanagin as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Resources

  • Department of State Country Fact Sheet: Suriname
  • Department of State Country Information: Suriname