Just weeks after assuming his post, U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter completed his first visit to Uruguay's interior on January 3 and 4. In this instance he visited the municipalities (Departamentos) of Canelones, San Jose and Colonia. "It is important that I know the entire country in order to enhance my understanding of Uruguay and I look forward to visit all the Departamentos throughout my stay in Uruguay", stated Baxter.

In Canelones, Ambassador Baxter met with Mayor Marcos Carambula and visited the Frigorifico Canelones meat packing plant. "Canelones has a lot to offer, and as an ambassador and businessman, I will speak to U.S. businessmen of the attractiveness of Canelones for U.S. investors," commented Baxter to the local media.

Ambassador Baxter later visited San Jose where he met with Acting Mayor Jose Luis Falero and visited the agricultural research station INIA Estanzuela. In Colonia he met with Mayor Walter Zimmer and visited the Pepsi-Cola Concentrate Plant, the Bader International leather factory, and the Conaprole dairy plant.

In press availability following the visits, Ambassador Baxter stated that he looks forward to working toward expanding trade between the two nations and increase investment. "I am very pleased to be here at a time when our commercial relationship is at one of its best moments. I'm a strong believer of free trade as a means of increasing prosperity and reducing poverty." He added that another priority is to increase educational and cultural exchanges. "We are in an era where human capital is by far the most important capital. I feel very strongly that educating our young people has to be a top priority for us all." Baxter stated that U.S.-Uruguay bilateral relations are strong and deeply rooted in common values. He looks forward to finding ways to cooperate further in building a path to mutual understanding and prosperity. "My wife Katherine and I are absolutely delighted to be here. We are anxious for our three children and our six grandchildren to visit so they can know this beautiful place too. For the moment I'm going to use my ears and listen - and hopefully learn. I intend to work hard to have our citizens in both countries get to know each other better. I want people in the U.S. to know more about the Uruguayan people, your culture, your music, your art and your products."

U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter with Canelones Mayor Marcos Carambula.		U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter receives a plaque with the coat of arms of the municipality of San Jose from acting Mayor Jose Luis Falero.

U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter with Colonia Mayor Walter Zimmer.		U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter, right, during his visit to the Conaprole dairy plant in Colonia.

 
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