#1
#1 out of 1
world13h ago
Dutch king says he ‘will not shy away’ from slavery history on rare royal visit to Suriname
- The Dutch king Willem-Alexander said he would not shy away from discussing slavery while visiting Suriname.
- The visit with Queen Maxima to Paramaribo follows Suriname's independence anniversary celebrations.
- The royals meet descendants of enslaved people and Indigenous communities behind closed doors during the trip.
- Netherlands has previously apologized for slavery, with a royal apology following a 2022 official apology.
- Suriname's oil discoveries are seen as potentially changing the country's fortunes amid the royal visit.
- The Dutch aim to deepen ties with Suriname on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
- Officials noted the historical foundation of the relationship between the Netherlands and Suriname.
- A wreath-laying at a monument to abolition was criticized by Afro-Surinamese groups.
- The royal visit is the first by Dutch royalty in nearly five decades.
- Historical slavery figures indicate the Dutch earned significant wealth from colonial exploits.
Vote 0