U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visits to Suriname and Guyana

September 12, 2025•3 min read

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visits to Suriname and Guyana underscored the United States' goals in deepening its engagement with both nations.

In Suriname, Secretary Rubio and H.E. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi engaged in high-level discussions focused on strengthening economic co-operation, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The U.S. expressed a clear interest in increasing its presence in Suriname’s energy industry, aligning with the country’s push for foreign investment. President Santokhi emphasized Suriname's openness to U.S. companies and looked forward to their participation in the Suriname Energy and Oil Summit (SEOGS) this June. The visit also reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for democratic governance, the rule of law, and long-term economic stability.

Meanwhile, in Guyana, Secretary Rubio highlighted the country’s transformation, citing significant economic progress and growing global influence. Secretary Rubio assured that the U.S. remains steadfast in supporting Guyana’s security and regional peace, ensuring no hindrances to its development. The U.S.-Guyana partnership was further demonstrated by the signing of an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments. This agreement reinforces cooperation in energy, security, and economic growth, with a focus on bolstering Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Notably, U.S. investments, such as the Gas-to-Energy project and major infrastructure developments, are playing a pivotal role in Guyana’s rapid modernization.

As both nations experience economic transformation, the U.S. is positioning itself as a key ally in their development journeys. With reinforced trade partnerships and a commitment to regional security, Suriname and Guyana continue to strengthen their roles as emerging leaders in the Caribbean and South America.

US$515.8 Million Raised From Staatsolie’s Successful Bond Issue

Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has successfully raised US$515.8 million through its new 2025-2033 bond, surpassing its initial target by US$211.7 million. The funds will support Staatsolie’s 20% stake in the US$12.2 billion GranMorgu offshore oil project in Block 58, expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day. With investor confidence high, the bond, arranged by The Surinamese Bank N.V., offers competitive interest rates and is tradable on key stock exchanges. This marks a major step toward Suriname’s energy future.

Guyana’s Oil Exports and FPSO Developments Gain Global Attention

The Cobalt Nova, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), has completed a landmark double lift offshore Guyana, transporting 2 million barrels of oil to Panama. This marks another instance of back-to-back cargo loading from the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block in 2025. The vessel lifted one 1 million barrels from the Liza Unity FPSO in late February, followed by another from the Liza Destiny FPSO in early March. Panama has emerged as a key destination for Guyanese crude outside of Europe, reflecting the country’s growing role in global energy markets.

Meanwhile, SBM Offshore has successfully raised US$1.5 billion for its upcoming FPSO projects in Guyana, including the ONE GUYANA and Jaguar FPSOs, set to support ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block operations. According to TechnipFMC’s CEO, Douglas Pferdehirt on ExxonMobil’s success in Guyana at the Piper Sandler Energy Conference: the country’s rapid oil market development has set a new standard for emerging oil markets, “particularly because of their offshore resources, is at a level that certainly I’ve never experienced before.”

Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

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