Venezuela and Suriname sign energy cooperation roadmap

Venezuela and Suriname signed a 10-document package in Paramaribo on Sept. 11 that includes a 2026-2027 energy cooperation roadmap, widening bilateral ties beyond hydrocarbons. The pact comes as Suriname’s offshore oil sector accelerates and ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas.

Why it matters: - Venezuela is broadening its regional energy ties as Suriname advances its offshore oil buildout. - The 2026-2027 roadmap creates a formal framework for technical cooperation, training and knowledge exchange in hydrocarbons. - The agreement could help Suriname strengthen local oil and gas capabilities while giving Venezuela a new regional partnership channel. - The timing adds relevance heading into Venezuela Energy Week 2027, where regional cooperation and investment will be part of the agenda.

What happened: - Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited Paramaribo on Sept. 11 for an official meeting with Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. - Venezuela and Suriname signed 10 documents covering fisheries, agrifood production, aviation, tourism, higher education and hydrocarbons. - The package included a 2026-2027 roadmap for energy cooperation. - Rodríguez said Venezuela will share operational and technical experience to support Suriname’s emerging hydrocarbon industry.

The details: - The roadmap sets up a structured collaboration framework between the two countries’ energy sectors. - No specific projects or investment amounts were announced. - A parallel academic agreement links Venezuela’s University of Hydrocarbons and Anton de Kom University of Suriname. - The academic tie focuses on technical training, knowledge exchange and capacity building across the oil and gas sector. - The delegations also agreed to reopen bilateral air routes. - Additional signed instruments cover fisheries access, agrifood cooperation and diplomatic coordination. - Venezuela Energy Week 2027 will take place Feb. 22-25 in Caracas. - The event is officially supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and PDVSA. - The conference will bring together government leaders, international operators, investors and industry executives to discuss upstream, gas, refining and the wider energy value chain. - Registration information is available at Venezuela Energy Week.

Between the lines: - Suriname’s upstream momentum makes technical cooperation more valuable than a purely symbolic bilateral pact. - TotalEnergies is advancing the GranMorgu deepwater project in offshore Block 58, with first oil targeted for 2028. - GranMorgu will use an FPSO with production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. - The project will develop the Sapakara and Krabdagu fields, which together contain about 760 million barrels of recoverable oil. - Petronas has recorded multiple discoveries in neighboring Block 52. - The broader package suggests Venezuela is pairing energy diplomacy with wider trade and people-to-people links.

What's next: - The 2026-2027 roadmap will shape the next phase of bilateral energy cooperation. - Technical and academic exchanges are likely to be a first step before any project-specific announcements. - Venezuela Energy Week 2027 will provide a public forum to test how far the regional strategy can extend. - Further updates could emerge as Suriname’s offshore developments move closer to first oil and as bilateral working groups turn the signed framework into action.

The bottom line: - Venezuela and Suriname are turning a diplomatic visit into a wider energy and economic partnership, with upstream cooperation at the center.