It is a true privilege to be here today. I just finished meeting with President Batlle. He has an excellent reputation in the United States and I am positive that we will be working closely together.

As you know, I just arrived in Uruguay with my family yesterday afternoon. We are getting settled and look forward to meeting Uruguayan officials and the people of Uruguay. I have heard wonderful things about Uruguay from the previous U.S. Ambassadors Thomas Dodd and Christopher Ashby. I have also met with the Uruguayan Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Hugo Fernandez-Faingold and we already have a solid working relationship. The United States and Uruguay have a close bilateral relationship and share many common interests. I plan to build on the many achievements over the past few years, including an emphasis on trade and economic issues.

I recognize that I am arriving as the U.S. Ambassador at a difficult time in world history. I have been very impressed with the cooperation from all levels of the Uruguayan government in the campaign against terrorism. As we stand here in front of the monument of General Artigas who also has a place of great honor in front of the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC I am reminded of his words which still ring true today, "unidos intimamente por vinculos de naturaleza y de intereses reciprocos luchamos contra tiranos que intentan profanar nuestros mas sagrados derechos."
("CLOSELY UNITED, WE FIGHT AGAINST THE TYRANTS WHO ARE TRYING TO PROFANE OUR MOST SACRED RIGHTS").

The United States appreciates the support of Uruguay and recognizes the leadership position that Uruguay plays within the region, specifically as the President of Mercosur. While this issue is important, the United States will continue to pursue many other initiatives in Uruguay and the region, including a relationship with Mercosur and the FTAA.

Again, it is a true privilege to serve as the US Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. I look forward to strengthening our bilateral relationship over the next three years.