FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Uruguay traditionally has had strong political and cultural links with its neighbors and Europe. With globalization and regional economic problems, its links to North America have strengthened. Uruguay is a strong advocate of constitutional democracy, political pluralism, and individual liberties. Its international relations historically have been guided by the principles of non-intervention, multilateralism, respect for national sovereignty, and reliance on the rule of law to settle disputes. Uruguay's international relations also reflect its drive to seek export markets and foreign investment. It is a founding member of MERCOSUR, the Southern Cone Common Market also composed of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. As of December 2006, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru were associate members of MERCOSUR. As of July 2008, Venezuela was in the process of becoming MERCOSUR's fifth full member.
Uruguay is a member of the Rio Group, an association of Latin American states that deals with multilateral security issues (under the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance). Uruguay's location between Argentina and Brazil makes close relations with these two larger neighbors and MERCOSUR associate members Chile and Bolivia particularly important. Usually considered a neutral country and blessed with a professional diplomatic corps, Uruguay is often called on to preside over international bodies. Uruguay is a member of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), a trade association based in Montevideo that includes 10 South American countries plus Mexico and Cuba.
U.S.-URUGUAYAN
RELATIONS
U.S.-Uruguayan relations traditionally have been based on a common outlook and emphasis on democratic ideals. In 2002, Uruguay and the U.S. created a Joint Commission on Trade and Investment (JCTI) to exchange ideas on a variety of economic topics. In March 2003, the JCTI identified six areas of concentration until the eventual signing of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA): customs issues, intellectual property protection, investment, labor, environment, and trade in goods. In late 2004, Uruguay and the U.S. signed an Open Skies Agreement, which was ratified in May 2006. In November 2005, they signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which entered into force on November 1, 2006. A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed in January 2007. More than 80 U.S.-owned companies operate in Uruguay, and many more market U.S. goods and services. In April 2008, Secretary Rice met with Foreign Minister Fernandez to sign a science and technology agreement.
Uruguay cooperates with the U.S. on law enforcement matters such as regional efforts to fight drug trafficking and terrorism. It has also been very active in human rights issues.
From 1999 through early 2003 Uruguayan citizens were exempted from visas when
entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. This exemption was
withdrawn on April 16, 2003, based on the high overstay rates for Uruguayans and
worldwide national security concerns.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The armed forces are constitutionally subordinate to the president through the
minister of defense. By offering early retirement incentives, the government has
trimmed the armed forces to about 14,500 for the army, 6,000 for the navy, and
3,000 for the air force. Uruguay ranks first in the world on a per capita basis
for its contributions to the UN peacekeeping forces, with 2,613 soldiers and
officers in 13 UN peacekeeping missions. As of June 2008, Uruguay had 1,177
military personnel deployed to Haiti in support of MINUSTAH; its other major
peacekeeping troop deployment was in the Congo.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Frank E. Baxter
Deputy Chief of Mission--James D. Nealon
Political/Economic Counselor--Peter Harding
Economic/Commercial Section Chief--James Perez
Consul--Blossom Perry
Chief, Management Section--Theresa Stewart
The U.S. Embassy in Uruguay is located at Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo (tel: 598-2 418-7777; fax: 598-2-410-0022). The mailing address for the embassy is UNIT 4500, APO AA 34035. The Embassy also has an Internet web page at http://montevideo.usembassy.gov/
