Spain–Suriname relations

Spain–Suriname relations are the bilateral relations between the two countries. Suriname's embassy in Brussels is accredited to Spain. Spain's embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is accredited to Suriname, and Spain also maintains an honorary consulate in Paramaribo.

Colonial period

Christopher Columbus sighted the area in 1498, but it was not until 1593 that Spanish explorers returned to the region, already known as Suriname, as it was inhabited by the Surinen, a Taíno group. During the first half of the 17th century, there were unsuccessful attempts by the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch to settle in the area, largely due to resistance from the indigenous population. This resistance was broken in 1651, when the British Francis Willoughby established an outpost in what is now Paramaribo.

Diplomatic relations

Spain has maintained diplomatic relations with Suriname since 1976. The resident embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is accredited to the Surinamese authorities. Ambassador José María Fernández López de Turiso presented copies of his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April 2014 and formally presented his letters of credence to the president in November 2014.

See also

• Foreign relations of Spain
• Foreign relations of Suriname

References

Suriname Category:Bilateral relations of Suriname