China praised for its role in Suriname’s development

China's backing of the Desi Bouterse government has been hailed by the main opposition National Democratic Party, which claims that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) nation continues to gain from the relationship.

“In 2019, former President Desi Bouterse paid a historic state visit to China, the most powerful country in Asia and an important player on the world stage. During that visit, the foundation was laid for numerous projects from which Suriname still benefits today,” the NDP said in a statement.

On behalf of President Xi Jinping and the people of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji visited Suriname and offered the NDP his condolences. The condolence book was later signed by him.

According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), 79-year-old Bouterse passed away last week from liver disease, with the probability of his death being Monday or Tuesday of last week.

“The cause of death was determined to be: complication of liver failure in severe liver fibrosis, caused by chronic alcohol use,” according to the office of the Attorney-General.

The funeral was held on Saturday, January 4. No international heads of state would be invited, the ministry announced, adding that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) nation has not yet received any requests from foreign heads of state, who are expected to attend the funeral.