The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkenand the Uruguayan foreign minister, Francisco BustilloThey met this Tuesday in Washington. The American chief said that “Uruguay is a democratic partner of the US with a strong voice before the OAS”. “It is a voice that we really value”, she stated, and valued that there is “a strong business relationship”, in a conference after the meeting.
The administration of Luis Lacalle Pou, launched to seek and close greater commercial exchanges with governments of all kinds and colors, had criticized months ago the inaction and disinterest of the United States in the region, in contrast to other powers such as China.
Minister Bustillo and Secretary Blinken agreed to launch an Annual Bilateral Interministerial Dialogue to coordinate work in priority areas such as politics, economic-commercial, investment, technology, cultural and academic, the Presidency reported in a statement.
“Together, very clearly, we call for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Blinken said.. They exchanged shared positions on the invasion of Ukraine, the political and economic situation on the continent. On the other hand, he reported that both countries will plan together for the Summit of the Americas, which will take place in June in Los Angeles.
For the Secretary of State, it will be at a “crucial moment for the hemisphere,” he said. “Uruguay will have the presidency of the health group at the summit. Uruguay is very well positioned to do so, given its strong response to covid-19”, he highlighted.
Bustillo, for his part, said: “With the Secretary of State we feel very united”. He expressed that “all humanity” is experiencing “very particular moments” and highlighted the unity between both countries, “sharing principles and values.”
“Without a doubt, the US has a lot to work on and in this case work together with Uruguay,” added Bustillo, looking at Blinken. “Now it’s about rolling up our sleeves and getting to work,” he closed.
“They promised to continue working to strengthen bilateral trade and promote investment, key aspects in post-pandemic economic recovery,” added the Presidency.
This Monday, the Uruguayan delegation was received by the Undersecretary of the US Department of Agriculture, Jewel H. Bronaugh. In the meeting, in addition to Bustillo, the Chief of Staff Fernando López Fabregat and Ambassador Durán participated for Uruguay.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting “a detailed exchange of the commercial relationship between the two countries in terms of agricultural products” was carried out and the “flows and corresponding necessary qualifications in terms of beef, sheep meat with bone , poultry meat, among others”.
