MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US Secretary of State praises Uruguay on Independence Day

Hillary Clinton underlined US and Uruguay’s commitment to democratic ideals

“Happy Independence Day, Uruguay”, said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her August 25th message adding that “the US joins in celebrating your many accomplishments this past year, and in honouring your leadership in our region and across the world”.

Recalling her March visit to Uruguay, Mrs Clinton said she had “the privilege of meeting with your President (Jose Mujica) and discussing the many ways in which our nations are working together to address common challenges. And I certainly got a taste of Uruguayan warmth and hospitality and of the friendship that exists between our peoples”.

The head of US diplomacy said the “United States is proud of our partnership with Uruguay – a partnership deeply rooted in our common commitment to democratic ideals and individual freedoms. Uruguay’s elections October last year, and your success in forming a unified government, are models of democratic pluralism that can and should be emulated around the world”.

Finally Mrs Clinton praised Uruguay as “a leader in advancing peace and social justice, both at home and abroad. And you have made important contributions to the ongoing recovery efforts in Haiti and to peacekeeping missions all across the globe”.