The United States has said it wants to “enhance” trade ties with Uruguay

After praising South America’s “democratic commitment” and its “leadership” in the field of clean energy, the United States wants to “expand trade ties” with Uruguay, Deputy Foreign Secretary Wendy Sherman said on Tuesday (9).

US State Department No. 2 said it had a “very positive and fruitful meeting” with Uruguayan President Luis Lagalbo, in which they discussed “how to work together to strengthen the two countries’ economies after the Kovit-19 epidemic.”

At a news conference, Sherman recalled that US President Joe Biden was “committed to providing support after the outbreak.”

“Uruguay is a strong economy, but we are talking about ways to deepen and expand our trade relations,” he said.

The U.S. trade representatives “selected Uruguay as the first country and held the first face-to-face meeting with the Biden government”, and the two countries signed the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA, abbreviated in English) in 2007.

However, he did not mention at any time the possibility of the old Uruguay Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Asked how he views the South American country’s negotiations for a free trade agreement with China and the Asian giant’s progress in Latin America, Sherman said, “All countries should explore all options offered to them on the basis of clean and transparent trade.”

– Clean Power –

Climate change was another priority theme at the Sherman and Lagole Bo meeting.

“Both Uruguay and the United States recognize climate change as an urgent global crisis and an opportunity to create well-paying jobs for our people in areas such as clean energy, clean transportation, infrastructure and environmental restructuring,” he said.

He noted that the South American country produces almost 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. “They are world leaders in this regard.”

The Undersecretary underlined Uruguay’s democratic commitment, “playing a key role in defending human rights”, precisely “at a time when democracy is being challenged.”

Sherman is leaving for Peru this Tuesday, where he will conclude his South American tour.