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United States Ambassador Martin J. Silverstein visited the city of Durazno on Thursday, November 21, 2002.

Ambassador and Mrs. Silverstein's intensive agenda included meetings with the mayor of Durazno, Prof. Carmelo Vidalin and other local authorities, visits to the Air Force headquarters, the “Lanera Trinidad” wool factory, a public school, the local hospital, the binational center (Alianza) of Durazno and a walking tour of city landmarks. Ambassador Silverstein, Mayor Vidalin and their wives planted two trees in the city square in remembrance of the September 11 terrorists attacks.

The meeting with the mayor of Durazno and other local authorities was followed by an exchange of gifts, during which Ambassador Silverstein expressed his appreciation and stated he was there "to learn more about Durazno.” Members of the municipality staff presented projects for which Durazno is seeking direct investment and provided information on these projects.

The program included a visit to the chief of police and the local public hospital. Ambassador Silverstein was briefed on the police and the main problems in the hospital.

The Alianza Cultural Uruguay-Estados Unidos of Durazno was the next visit in the agenda. To commemorate the newly-opened Alianza Ambassador Silverstein presented the U.S. flag. He met with students and teachers and answered questions about the United States.

Ambassador Silverstein visited the wool factory Lanera Trinidad to view the process of wool being prepared for export.

On the walking tour with the mayor and local authorities Ambassador Silverstein visited the Museo Rivera, the former home of Uruguay´s first President Fructuoso Rivera and the Municipal Cultural Center followed by a press conference. National and local media asked him about U.S. investments in Durazno, cultural exchanges, beef quotas and tourism.

At the Air Force headquarters Ambassador Silverstein was met by Air Force Commander in Chief General José Malaquin. He toured the base and visited the operations area, aircraft maintenance and training areas with flight simulators. Ambassador Silverstein discussed military assistance with Air Force authorities.

The visit ended with a visit to a public school. Ambassador Silverstein gave school supplies and pamphlets with information on the United States to students.