The paper explores the evolution of the bilateral relations between Brazil and Suriname during the 1980s, especially with the so-called Venturini mission to Suriname. The text uses original documents from two Brazilian archives. The article shows that the main goals of Figueiredo's administration with respect to Suriname were fulfilled, especially concerning the avoidance of an East-West conflict in the sensitive north frontier of the country and in the Amazon region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]