“Suriname China Friendship Association has proven its usefulness”

“From the moment it was founded, the Suriname China Friendship Association has proven its usefulness and made contributions. The friendship association has helped to lift the understanding and the friendship and collaboration between China and Suriname to greater heights,” said Ambassador Liu Quan at a special reception that was held on Friday night to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Suriname China Friendship Association. “The contribution that the association has made will not be forgotten,” said the Chinese ambassador who added that the friendship association is even older than the diplomatic relations between China and Suriname. In response to the growing interest of the Surinamese people in China and the Chinese culture, several events have been organized in the past couple of years. “The Suriname China Friendship Association has contributed to the Chinese New Year's Fair, the Chinese Fashion Show and the Chinese Film Festival,” said Ambassador Liu.

“We currently live in a globalized world with economic interaction and cultural integration. Suriname is known for its social harmony and cultural diversity. Our two countries have much to share and could do even more when it comes to collaboration. The Suriname-China Friendship Association could have a more active role in all of this,” said the ambassador. The 8th Beijing International Art Biennale is a clear indication that China is opening its doors wider to the outside world. 600 artists from 113 countries from all over the world are participating in this big art event. The diplomat explained that “this is the first time that three Surinamese artists have been given the opportunity to show their works of art to the whole world.” “Such exchanges improve mutual understanding. And that is what the world that we live in needs.”

Dirk Currie, chairman of the Suriname-China Friendship Association, also pointed out that the association has made a significant contribution to the improvement of the friendship between both countries. The association reportedly plans on having its history digitalized so that people can look back at everything the association has achieved.