Minister of Defense Ivan Fernald of Suriname

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Previously Fernald was director of the Institute for Economic Administrative Secondary Education (IMEAO.

Visiting Surinamese defense minister Ivan Fernald said the cooperation between Surinam and China bears strategic significance and Surinam will join with China to continue to expand the friendly cooperation between the two armies in fields such as military personnel training.

In response, Fernald said his country values very much its friendship with China, expressing appreciation for China's precious support for Surinam over the years.

support for Surinam over the years.

The authorities have also seized three 60-foot vessels used by the fishermen and Fernald said he was satisfied with the arrests, Stabroek News was told.

SURINAME-MILITARY-Suriname supports new military organisation PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC –Defence Minister Ivan Fernald says he is not opposed to suggestions from Brazil to establish a South American Defence.

Visiting Surinamese defense minister Ivan Fernald said the cooperation between Surinam and China bears strategic significance and Surinam will join with China to continue.

A source in Suriname last evening told this newspaper that the countrys Defence Minister Ivan Fernald had confirmed the arrests of the 19 Guyanese nationals and seizure of three boats said to be of the Venezuelan-type.

The authorities have also seized three 60-foot vessels used by the fishermen and Fernald said he was satisfied with the arrests.