By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: A cabinet minister here has called for a rational approach to Taiwan’s offer to assist Suriname in its development goals in return for diplomatic recognition.

Responding to reporters on the Taiwan offer, Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Rick van Ravenswaay, said that “if Taiwan is serious, we should look at their offer very seriously, bearing in mind Suriname’s socio-economic development.”

Vice-President Ramdien Sardjoe said, however, that the government is adhering to the One-China policy as a result of developments within the United Nations, that is recognising only mainland China. “We (the government) are not interfering in China’s internal affairs, so we stick to the One-China policy,” said the Vice-President.

Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Rick van Ravenswaay

Referring to St Lucia’s resumption of diplomatic ties with Taipei this week, Van Ravenswaay argued that Suriname should evaluate what Castries would receive and on what terms. “We should not look emotional to this issue, but rationally,” said the official.

He further argued that Taiwan is one of the major investors in mainland China, so if in any case Suriname chose to take Taipei on its offer, Beijing should not object. “We would be very stupid to turn down Taiwan’s offer without giving it any sincere consideration,” said the minister.

Meanwhile, the Suriname-Taiwan Friendship Foundation has indicated that, since Taiwan has formally presented its offer to the government, local politicians and political parties should speak out on this matter.

According to the secretary of the foundation, David Chin, he submitted the offer to the president, vice-president, the Speaker of the House and to all political parties that have seats in parliament.

“We are no political organisation; we have only submitted the formal request for diplomatic recognition and the development aid offer to the authorities,” said Chin in an invited comment. “Politics now should decide what happens,” he further noted.

On its website, the foundation argues that in neither its Government Policy Statement 2005-2010 nor its Long Term Development Plan, has the Suriname government stated that the country is adhering to the One-China policy of the Chinese government. Neither is it stated that friendly relations with Taiwan are prohibited, the organisation claims.

According to Chin, Taiwan is not aiming at a quid pro quo from Suriname, but only “recognition and friendship”. Taipei also is not looking for economic gains or benefits in Suriname.

“Taiwan does not want to come and fish in Suriname’s waters or come here and cut down trees for export,” said Chin.

Taiwan has offered financial grants for road improvement and other infrastructure, agriculture and animal husbandry, land development, housing, tourism, budgetary assistance and education.

Including St Lucia, 25 countries now recognise Taipei. Taiwan and China have each accused each other in the past of using "cheque book diplomacy" to lure the other's allies.