Guyana's President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday hoped that and Suriname's newly-elected President, Desi Bouterse could work together to improve relations between the two neighbouring South American countries.

"It is my hope that we can work together to further improve and deepen the relations between our two countries," said Jagdeo. Guyana and Suriname

Surinamese gun-boats in June 2000 chased out an oil-exploration rig from a concession awarded by Guyana to CGX Energy, prompting several rounds of talks including a proposal by the Jagdeo adminstration for joint exploration and exploitation of oil to the benefit of the two countries.

After that proposal was rejected by Suriname, Guyana in 2004 took its case to the United Nations Tribunal on the Law of the Sea which in 2007 ruled in Guyana's favour, settling that maritime boundary dispute.

And with the New River Triangle dispute still unresolved, President Bharrat Jagdeo in his congratulatory message told Bouterse that he looks "forward to pursuing this desire with you for the mutual satisfaction and benefit of our peoples."

The New River Triangle dispute is over an area in southern Guyana, believed to be rich in hydro-power potential and other natural resources.

The Associated Press (AP) reported earlier Monday that  Bouterse, a former military dictator, was elected president of the former Dutch colony by parliament.

That ended weeks of jostling to stop the convicted drug trafficker and ex-strongman who was accused of killing political opponents.

Bouterse's supporters cheered and waved flags outside parliament after he secured 36 votes in support of his presidency, thanks to a small party's decision to back him in exchange for three Cabinet positions, AP reported.

The Netherlands has previously said that Mr. Bouterse would not be welcomed there.