Suriname and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to intensify cooperation to combat drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. A key element of this cooperation is the pending reactivation of the Agreement on Operations to Combat Illegal Transnational Maritime Activities, better known as the Shiprider Agreement. This bilateral pact allows security officers from one country to ride on the vessels of a partner nation to conduct joint operations and stop illegal activities.
“That agreement will be a very strong mechanism to get more support from the U.S. government, in terms of technical support but also material support, in the interdiction program, particularly against those criminal organizations,” said Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi during a March visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “With the new mechanism and the new technical assistance of the U.S. agencies, we’ll bring an end to this threat, which is very dangerous for our nation but also to the neighboring countries.”
Strategic importance
The Shiprider Agreement holds significant importance for Suriname due to several factors. As an emerging oil producer and a source of strategic minerals like gold and bauxite, its economic interests are expanding. However, its geographical location also makes it a key transit point for cocaine destined for Europe and a hub for illegal mining. This challenge is compounded by the country’s interior, which, according to InSight Crime, is sparsely populated, 90 percent covered by jungle, and lacks controls, which facilitates illicit activities.
“The Shiprider Agreement allows for joint operations to intercept drug trafficking in Surinamese waters, strengthening operational coordination between both countries,” Evan Ellis, research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, told Diálogo. “Beyond its technical nature, this agreement positions Suriname as a U.S. strategic partner in regional security and strengthens cooperation in a historically vulnerable area.”
Security challenges in Suriname
Criminal organizations exploit the country’s maritime infrastructure, particularly using containers to move large quantities of drugs. They also use air routes and other manual transport methods. According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy report, this environment is further enabled by vast jungle areas and limited security resources.
“Stability, security, and prosperity can also become contagious, and you have an opportunity not simply to change the destiny of the people of your country but in direct ways that really help impact the security, stability, and prosperity of the region,” Secretary Rubio said during his visit to Suriname. “We spoke about some of the mechanisms of preventing drug trafficking organizations from ever getting a foothold here [in Suriname]. We want to be your partner in stopping that from ever happening.”
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative
The reactivation of the Shiprider Agreement marks a significant advance in maritime security cooperation. This initiative aims to tackle shared challenges and foster stability throughout the Caribbean region. This support falls under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which, according to the Miami Herald, provides more than $942 million in assistance to regional countries to enhance security and counter organized crime.
“Although it often flies under the geopolitical radar, Suriname has significant strategic value,” Ellis added. “Its location at the eastern end of the Caribbean basin makes it a key point for regional maritime security.”
Robust cooperation
Suriname and the United States continue to deepen their strong relationship, with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) playing a pivotal role in various initiatives, from medical assistance to security cooperation.
A key aspect of this partnership is SOUTHCOM’s Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission, with the most recent in Suriname occurring in February 2024. Another significant U.S. medical initiative, the AMISTAD mission, is scheduled to visit Suriname in July. These programs bring U.S. medical professionals to partner nations, providing vital medical, surgical, and dental care. Beyond direct treatment, these missions aim to build strong relationships with local health teams and enhance overall healthcare access and capacity in the region.
Security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In additional to periodic subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) with SOUTHCOM personnel, Suriname actively participates in numerous multinational trainings and exercises with SOUTHCOM, such as Tradewinds, further strengthening its capabilities and partnership.
The South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) also maintains a nearly two-decade-long partnership with Suriname, engaging in various activities designed to enhance regional security. As a recent example of this cooperation, in August 2024, SDNG medical professionals treated more than 1,600 Surinamese patients during the Gran Mati operation.
This commitment was further demonstrated when Suriname joined SOUTHCOM’s Human Rights Initiative during the Caribbean Security Conference (CANSEC) 2024 in Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring a shared dedication to upholding human rights.
High-level engagement, including visits by SOUTHCOM leadership to Suriname, consistently strengthens these ties and facilitates ongoing discussions on security cooperation.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit sets a key precedent and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the region,” Ellis added. “In a context where no senior official has shown such a strong presence in the Caribbean in recent times, this sustained attention underscores the strategic priority that the Caribbean basin represents for Washington.”
