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The U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay visited the city of Trinidad in the Department of Flores on June 12, 2003. Ambassador Silverstein’s visit to the Flores keeps in line with his continued interest in the interior of the country, and adds to several other visits previously made while representing the U.S. diplomatic mission.

The purpose of the Ambassador’s trip was to meet with representatives of different local organizations in order to explore areas of common interest where the U.S. Embassy could be useful and provide support.

Ambassador Silverstein was also accompanied by his wife, Audrey Silverstein.
Their agenda included visits to a local industry, the Hospital, a project of the Fund of the Americas, the Alianza Cultural Uruguay-Estados Unidos and the Uruguayan American School. He also met with the Mayor of Flores, one of the congressmen of the Department and the Chief of Police.

Ambassador Silverstein’s visit began with a meeting with the Mayor of Flores Carlos Mazzullo, where municipal projects, the economic situation of the Department and the ways the Embassy could assist the Department of Flores were discussed. Mayor Mazzullo explained an integration project with neighboring departments with the purpose of working together while maintaining their own initiatives and identities.

He also explained projects of his Administration in the tourism field and in support of small and medium-sized companies. The Mayor also underlined that experts from the Inter-American Development Bank are currently in Flores examining the municipal management model, which has been defined as an example for the region.

After his meeting with Mayor Mazzullo, Ambassador Silverstein took part in a press conference where he addressed a number of issues, such as the recent re-opening of the Uruguayan market for fresh beef, the situation in Iraq, international terrorism and the support provided by Uruguay after the events of September 11.

Finally, it was agreed that the Municipality of Flores will set up an exhibition of regional crafts in the lobby of the U.S. Embassy.

Ambassador Silverstein also visited the local Hospital, where he became familiar with the needs of the health care center as well as the assistance that the United States could provide to improve the quality of its services.

The morning agenda also included a visit to Lanera Trinidad, the major local industrial plant, and to Centro CAIF of Barrio La Pedrera, an institution that provides assistance and education to more than 60 low-income school-children with the support of the Fund of the Americas.

After lunch, Ambassador Silverstein met with the local Chief of Police Miguel Porro. The Ambassador also visited the Alianza Cultural Uruguay-Estados Unidos and the Uruguayan American School, where he shared a most pleasant moment with students of both centers.