On August 21, U.S. Chargé D'Affaires (CDA) Robin Matthewman visited the city of Melo situated in the administrative division (department) of Cerro Largo in Uruguay's northeastern frontier region. Founded in 1795 as a Spanish military post, the city has a population of nearly 52,000. Agriculture is the main source of industry in the region, along with wool, hides, textiles, meats, liquor, and dairy goods. Colonial-era buildings are part of much of the landscape of the city.

In Melo, CDA Matthewman met with Intendant Ambrosio Barreiro to discuss a variety of bilateral issues. Following a joint press conference, Matthewman and Barreiro visited Frigorifico Pul, a modern meatpacking plant currently exporting Uruguayan beef to the United States and many other parts of the world. Later, they visited the local Alianza Binational Center where the met with Youth Ambassador Florencia Lara and spoke to students about the benefits of learning English as a second language. They also visited the former home of renowned Uruguayan poet Juana de Ibarbourou and traveled to Posta del Chuy, a remote post that in the mid 1800s operated as a stagecoach stop for travelers to Brazil, with a toll bridge, a horse relay house, a grocery store and a hostel.

Following is a photo gallery of CDA Matthewman's visit to Melo:

(47 photos)
CDA Robin Matthewman and Public Affairs Officer Robert Zimmerman meet with Cerro Largo Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro.		CDA Robin Matthewman and Cerro Largo Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro in press conference.		Cerro Largo Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro receives a donation of soccer balls for the municipality's sports program from CDA Robin Matthewman.

CDA Robin Matthewman and Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro enjoying a walk in downtown Melo.		CDA Robin Matthewman greets students at the Alianza Binational Center in Melo.		CDA Robin Matthewman and Public Affairs Officer Robert Zimmerman with teachers and students at the Alianza Binational Center.

Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman and Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro visit the home of renowned Uruguayan poet Juana de Ibarbourou (1892–1979).		Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman visits the meatpacking plant Frigorifico Pul.		Chargé D'Affaires Robin Matthewman and Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro visit the museum at Posta del Chuy.

CDA Robin Matthewman admires a hand-carved figurine of a gaucho presented by Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro.		Intendente Ambrosio Barreiro displays a framed photograph presented by CDA Robin Matthewman.		CDA Robin Matthewman concludes her visit to Melo.