The elected president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, met this Wednesday with the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, in a meeting that devoted much of it to energy and environmental issues. During the joint press conference, Orsi expressed that “we have common problems that we share,” referring to the need for collaboration in the region.
Orsi emphasized the importance of finding common strengths beyond political affiliations. “Here it doesn’t matter if the governments are from the right or the left, what we have to achieve is to understand the strengths we have,” he stated, highlighting Uruguay’s efforts for dialogue and international cooperation.
Uruguay’s pacifying vocation in the region
Orsi underlined Uruguay’s role as a peacemaker, highlighting its “historical vocation for peace and promotion of dialogue.” He mentioned how the country has stood out globally as a bridge between nations, emerging as a “space of articulation” to facilitate international agreements and understandings.
On the other hand, President Petro praised the political atmosphere in Uruguay, observing that it is a notable example in the region. “Unlike many Latin American countries, [en Uruguay] There is no right that wants to kill the left,” he noted, highlighting the stability and political coexistence of the South American country.
Collaboration on energy and environmental issues
The conversation also revolved around environmental policies, an area where both leaders see opportunities for cooperation. Petro highlighted that Uruguay has the potential to be a leader in defossilization, “helping Colombia in the great fight to defossilize the world and make life prevail on the planet,” thus underlining the importance of sustainability.
Petro added that Uruguay, with its progress in clean energy, could serve as a role model in the energy transition. He indicated that the country “can help” promote policies that favor the environment, addressing the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Impressions about the Uruguayan socioeconomic reality
Petro also praised the standard of living in Uruguay, stating that “sometimes” the country “is envious” because “almost everyone lives like the Colombian upper-middle class.” This comment reflects the perceptible differences in economic and social well-being between Uruguay and other countries in the region.
Before his meeting with Orsi, Petro held a meeting with the current Uruguayan president, Luis Lacalle Pou. These meetings reflect a continued interest in strengthening bilateral relations and working together on strategic regional issues.
