Surinamese president Chan Santokhi is visiting Amsterdam this weekend. Yesterday afternoon he first visited the official residence of Mayor Halsema, later the delegation went to the multicultural center in Southeast. There he spoke with Surinamese entrepreneurs and artists. One of them was artist Brian Elstak.
In the official residences, the president and the mayor signed an agreement between Amsterdam and Suriname. “We would like to be in Suriname,” said Halsema. “We especially want a future relationship of exchange and mutual reinforcement in the coming years.” The agreement is important for Santokhi, he wants to strengthen the governance in Suriname as soon as possible. “Amsterdam is willing to help us by also providing assistance with this.”
He thinks Amsterdam is a great city. “It is a metropolis, a city that I say. It is the place to be.” Tonight he hopes to be able to drink a brown beer, which he loves. He hasn’t had time for it yet, according to him that shows how full the program is. “But before I leave, I’ll try to find another hole for a nice brown beer.” The president is going home today.
Artists and entrepreneurs
After the moment in the official residence, the delegation leaves for Zuidoost. Santokhi talks there with various entrepreneurs and artists, including Brian Elstak. “The president was pleased to hear that I know how to approach young art lovers,” says the artist. “That they apply my work and really come somewhere for my work.”
The chairman also spoke with Timothy Sabajo, the owner of fashion brand Patta. He is looking forward to what the new president of Suriname will do. “We hope for the best.”