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Uruguay’s Bicentennial

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 14, 2011

A video message is available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQHep_H-9Y and http://youtu.be/boa-38pkGm4 [Spanish]

Congratulations on your bicentennial Uruguay! I am delighted to send best wishes to all of you as you celebrate your many accomplishments and the 200-year anniversary of the Gritto de Asencio.The relationship between the United States and Uruguay is strong, based on our shared ideals, common values and history. The founders of both our countries worked hard for the freedom and democracy that we cherish today. Now, we are promoting these values around the world.

Together, we are working to expand education, to broaden regional access to markets, to develop alternative sources of energy, advance scientific research and innovation. Because of our work on a range of issues, countless countries are more peaceful, more prosperous and looking forward to a brighter future.

Whether you are celebrating along the riverbanks of the Mercedes, or honoring your rich history with family and friends in Montevideo, please know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. I wish all Uruguayans a safe and happy bicentennial celebration. And I look forward to finding new ways to strengthen our relationship as we work together for a better world.

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Uruguay’s Independence Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 24, 2010

A video message is available here: http://www.state.gov/video/?videoid=588268558001

A Spanish version is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgayZZ-d6Ac

Happy Independence Day, Uruguay. On August 25th, the United States joins you in celebrating your many accomplishments this past year, and in honoring your leadership in our region and across the world.

During my visit to Montevideo in March, I had the privilege of meeting with your President 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 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 earlier this year, and your success in forming a unified government, are models of democratic pluralism that can and should be emulated around the world.
Your country is 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.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Independence Day celebration. We look forward to continuing the close relationship between our countries in the coming years, and expanding our cooperation into new areas as we work together toward a safer, more peaceful, more prosperous world.

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Earlier today, as I was able to grab a few minutes here and there, I posted a series of pictures from Secretary Clinton’s day in Uruguay.  Well, there was a plethora of pictures from today by the time I got home, so these are some more I want to share.

Here she is arriving in Montevideo.  When she travels, I really like to have the obligatory arrival picture.  She has a way of walking down those steps.

She also has a way of walking the tarmac..
This next series show her with outgoing Uruguayan President Tabare Vaquez.  I love their greeting. 



She also met with the President of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo.




She attended the inauguration at the Legialative Palace.

Originally, she was also  supposed to meet with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Uruguay and then to leave after the inauguration for Chile, however, those plans changed today.  Instead of meeting with Kirchner in Uruguay, and instead of going directly to Chile, she flew, instead to Buenos Aires, and was received by Kirchner there.  (Upcoming separate post on this because there’s just more history to that than I want to handle in this post.)  She will visit Chile tomorrow.  Apparently that stop has been attenuated to some extent, but she certainly will meet with President Michelle Bachelet and President-elect Sebastian Pinera.

So this afternoon, she boarded her Hillforce One for the short hop to B.A.  (Ohhhh!  I wish I were there.  Someday, I HAVE to go to Argentina!)

Upcoming: Hillary with Cristina at the Casa Rosada. 

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Oh those Malvinas keep coming up!  Whoops!  Falklands?  Whatever.

Remarks With Uruguayan President-elect Jose Mujica

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 1, 2010

PRESIDENT-ELECT MUJICA: (Via interpreter) Good morning, everybody. On behalf of my home and my country, I want to very especially thank (inaudible), Madam Secretary of State Clinton has had in coming here. Sometime, a short time ago, (inaudible) Secretary of State with whom we have been making (inaudible) like to undertake with the United States in the region. We already have some commercial agreements, but we want to move forward. We want your cooperation in science, especially in research. We are – we (inaudible) research at the universities and we’d like to work together. We offered also our (inaudible) to contribute to whatever can be done to mitigate the unavoidable contradictions that history has imposed, especially in Latin America.

We are – we have to admit that we have prejudices that we sometimes (inaudible) with stereotypes. We were very surprised to see that a black would have become the president of the United States. That is something that we had never thought that it would be possible, and that was out of (inaudible) prejudice on our side. That is a lesson and a very (inaudible) lesson that we learned and that keeps us promoting the changes that have been good (inaudible) in America.

So we wish you the very best in that respect and we want you to know that in the future, we are going to be willing to contribute in the trade of peace. (Inaudible) efforts will be enough to make peace. That is something that we must really to cooperate with. So once again, thank you for coming.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, President-elect. And I am honored to be here on behalf of President Obama and the United States of America. We join you in celebrating the strength of Uruguayan democracy and the progress that your country has made and we know will continue to make in the future.

While today is a day of celebration, it is also a time when our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile. I will be in Santiago tomorrow to meet with President Bachelet and President-elect Piñera to work with the government and people of Chile in solidarity in recovery from this earthquake.

But now I wish to not only congratulate the president-elect and the new government, but to applaud the way in which the government is unifying and bringing together even opposition parties to work on behalf of the people of Uruguay. Indeed, Uruguayans are rightly proud of their leaders and their democracy and this peaceful and orderly transition of power brought about by an election. Indeed, your country, President-elect Mujica, is a model for many others not only in our hemisphere but throughout the world.

I thank Uruguay for the peacekeepers that you send in large numbers compared to your population. I commend you for the leadership role you are playing as the chair of the Friends of Haiti group. And as you and I discussed, sir, we will be working with you in partnership on behalf of education, science and technology, business, trade, and investment.

So again, sir, it is a deep privilege for me to be back in Uruguay 12 years after my first visit, and to see some familiar faces, but mostly to congratulate you, your new government, and the resolve and democratic values of the people of your country. And of course, Mr. President-elect, it is a personal pleasure to see a first lady who is also a senator. (Laughter.)

MODERATOR: We’ll take two questions, first from Kirit Radia of ABC News.

QUESTION: Hi, Madam Secretary.

SECRETARY CLINTON: But you should go. Yeah, yeah. I will answer their questions. You have to go to get ready. Yeah, yeah. Thank you, sir.

QUESTION: Hi, Madam Secretary.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes.

QUESTION: I’d like to ask you more about your trip to Chile. I’d like to know more about what you plan to do (inaudible) today that the Chilean Government is now asking for some assistance. What is the U.S. prepared to do (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, both President Obama and I spoke with President Bachelet shortly after the earthquake, offered whatever assistance the government might need – put on stand-by search-and-rescue teams, other assets that we thought might be needed. They have asked for communications equipment, some of which I am bringing on our plane. Other technical equipment will be flown there in addition. But one of the reasons why they have asked me to continue my trip is to assess whatever else they might need and immediately to begin the process of providing it.

MODERATOR: Second question is from Bill Faries of Bloomberg News.

QUESTION: Madam Secretary, welcome to Uruguay.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.

QUESTION: Argentina is greatly concerned about the beginning of oil drilling, or oil exploration efforts off the coast of the Falkland Islands. I was hoping you could clarify the U.S. position on this. Is – do you believe that this is an issue that the U.S. – perhaps you (inaudible) – that Argentina and the UK should sit down and discuss in terms of the future sovereignty of the islands?

SECRETARY CLINTON: As you know, we’ll be going to Buenos Aires later today. I look forward to meeting with President de Kirchner and discussing a full range of issues. It is our position that this is a matter to be resolved between the United Kingdom and Argentina. If we can be of any help in facilitating such an effort, we stand ready to do so. Thank you all.

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Some very nice pictures are becoming available, so I thought I would share a few.

She met with women legislators.

She also met with outgoing President Tabare Vazquez.

Then, of course, she met with President-elect Jose Mujica.



This was taken as her delegation left the meeting with Jose Mujica.

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I hope this is not premature of me, but I have to hand it to Assistant Secretary Arturo Valenzuela who is doing the best job so far of tweeting a trip! He sent the link to these pictures. There are more at the State Department Flickr site. I am at the office and do not have time to upload everything right now.

Secretary Valenzuela also communicated that a stop in Buenos Aires has been added to the itinerary. Secretary Clinton will meet with Argentine President Cristina Kirchner there. I heard on the news this morning that the Chile stop will be brief.




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About three hours ago, Assistant Secretary Arturo Valenzuela, accompanying Secretary Clinton on her Latin American tour,  tweeted that they were Wheels Up from Andrews Air Force Base. We all, I am sure, wish everyone on board a safe and successful trip. The first stop is Montevideo Uruguay for the inauguration of the new President of Uruguay, Jose Mujica. Then they will head for earthquake-stricken Chile.

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AP Photo
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Uruguay’s President Tabare Vazquez take part in a joint news conference, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at the State Department in Washington.

Secretary Clinton met today with President Tabare Vazquez of Uruguay. Here are a few photos that have come through. When the transcript becomes available, I shall update this post. (Personally, I love these pictures).

Note that our very savvy Secretary of State is wearing a shade of blue that matches the Uruguayan flag. (Many Latin American countries include blue in their flags as a tribute to the Virgin Mary.)

Even better! Here’s the video!

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Remarks With Uruguayan Foreign Minister Gonzalo Fernandez Before Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
April 6, 2009

Date: 04/06/2009 Description: Secretary Clinton with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Gonzalo Fernandez before their meeting. State Dept Photo SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, it’s a great privilege to welcome the Uruguayan foreign minister here this afternoon. Of course, he’s here because of the important conference on the Antarctica and the Arctic. Uruguay has a lot of interests in the Antarctica area. But also, this is an opportunity for us to discuss matters of bilateral and regional concern. Uruguay is a country with whom we have a lot of shared values. It’s also a country that has shown progressive leadership on a number of important matters. And we’ll discuss those as well as the upcoming Summit of the Americas.
So, Minister, welcome.
FOREIGN MINISTER FERNANDEZ: Well, thank you very much. It’s a very pleasure and an honor to be here and to profit from our visit to have a first meeting with Madame Secretary of State. Effectively, we will discuss regional and bilateral issues in the mark of a good and very consultative relationship between our both countries.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Good. Thank you very much.

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Remarks With Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde Before Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
April 6, 2009

Date: 04/06/2009 Description: Secretary Clinton with Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde before their meeting. State Dept PhotoSECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we’re delighted to welcome the Peruvian foreign minister here today. We have a lot of common interests and concerns that we’ll be discussing. I’m also looking forward to continuing that conversation about economic opportunity and social justice and inclusion when we attend the Summit of the Americas. So, Minister, thank you for being here.
FOREIGN MINISTER BELAUNDE: Thank you, Madame, for inviting me to this meeting this morning and to have this meeting with you. As you probably know, we have approved already a treaty agreement with Peru, and that is a good framework for development of cooperation. And as Secretary of State has said, we share common views and common values and we are in the same line fighting against poverty and trying to make a better living for our people.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Thank you very much.
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Remarks With Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere After Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
April 6, 2009

Date: 04/06/2009 Description: Remarks by Secretary Clinton and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere after their meeting. State Dept Photo SECRETARY CLINTON: Good afternoon, everyone. Before I get started with my statement about the bilateral meeting we just concluded and the important conference held here today, I just want to express our deep concern about the earthquake in Italy. And we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, and our prayers and thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, those who may still be trapped, and to the rescue workers and the people of Italy who are dealing with this tragedy.
I want to thank Foreign Minister Stoere for being here today. The United States and Norway enjoy a long and close friendship and a very important collaboration based not only on shared values but on common bonds of family and culture, represented by millions of Americans of Norwegian heritage.
We just concluded a very productive discussion that covered a long list of issues important to both Norway and the United States, and I reiterated to the foreign minister just how much the Obama Administration values our partnership with Norway. Together, we’re looking for ways to address common challenges such as the impact of climate change and a number of regional issues, from Afghanistan to the Middle East to Sri Lanka.
The United States appreciates Norway’s leadership in the Arctic Council, and it’s the current chair of that council. And we certainly are grateful for the minister’s contribution to the success of today’s joint session of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the Arctic Council. As Arctic members, as one of the five countries – Norway being another, Russia, Denmark, and Canada – whose landmasses all converge on the Arctic, it’s important that we work together to ensure that any development in the Arctic takes into account the region’s fragile ecological balance. In the months ahead as we move closer to December’s UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, we will work closely with one another to ensure that that conference creates a viable framework for addressing the threat of climate change.
Few countries have contributed to the cause of global peace and resolving conflicts around the world more than Norway has, and we deeply appreciate Norway’s many contributions as a NATO ally to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, including leadership of a Provincial Reconstruction Team. And we look for Norway to continue not only to provide support but good guidance and advice based on their firsthand experience.
We also appreciate Norway’s longstanding contributions to the Middle East peace process, including its work as co-chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee which coordinates international assistance to the Palestinian people. And we discussed Norway’s untiring efforts to end the bloodshed in Sri Lanka.
With increasing attention on the global financial crisis, we deeply value Norway’s cooperation in addressing this crisis, including its recent offer to contribute over $4 billion to the International Monetary Fund.
The United States and Norway share a commitment to promoting global peace and development. We discussed some very specific ways, including an important and innovative partnership on behalf of maternal and child health, something that I have worked on for many decades.
So, Mr. Minister, thank you. Thank you for representing a country that punches way above its weight. Thank you for the cooperative relationship that you in your current position have demonstrated time and time again just in the last ten weeks that we have been in office. And I look forward to working closely with you in the future.
FOREIGN MINISTER STOERE: Thank you so much for those words, Madame Secretary. They reflect our conversation, and thank you for the nice words to Norway. Let me say how much I appreciate working with you as Secretary, taking forward this very special bilateral relationship for Norway. We know all people with Norwegian background in this country, and we meet them frequently and we hear from them.
Since you took office, as you said, we have met in a Middle East context, we have met in a NATO context, we have met in an Afghanistan context, and today we met in an Arctic/Antarctic context. What more do we need to illustrate that there is a globalized world with common challenges? You met with my prime minister last week on climate issues, so there we have yet another dimension.
I simply want to say that for Norway the transatlantic relationship, the NATO membership, and the relationship with the U.S. is an anchor in our security policy. Being here reiterating the foundations of that relationship is important to me, it’s important to my government, and leaving a meeting with you with all those follow-up points which are exciting, quite daunting so many of them, knowing what world we live in. But I feel tremendously inspired, especially when we come and our minds meet on these issues related to global health, human rights, opportunity for women and children to survive and live and flourish and take advantage of their potential. This is our responsibility. And since there is so much we can do about it which is there ready to implement and push forward, I look forward to our relationship as colleagues, and I am very happy for the reception you have given me here today.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Minister.
MR. WOOD: We have time for two questions, the first one from Kirit Radia of ABC News.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, yesterday the Security Council failed to condemn North Korea for its launch, and U.S. efforts appear increasingly unlikely to get a strong international response that you’re looking for. What can the U.S. do bilaterally and internationally to punish North Korea?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first let me say that the United States is joined by many countries in denouncing the actions of North Korea. It was, in our view, a clear violation of Security Council Resolution 1718. It’s a provocative act that has grave implications. North Korea ignored its international obligations, rejected the unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations.
We are actively involved in consultation with partners at the United Nations, members of the Security Council. I have spoken with all of the foreign ministers of the countries that participate in the Six-Party Talks, some more than once. And we know that working out the exact language is not easily done overnight, but we remain convinced that coming out with a strong position in the United Nations is the first and important step that we intend to take.
North Korea has to know that any efforts to obtain the objectives it set forth as desiring in the Six-Party Talks are put at jeopardy. But we’re going to take this one step at a time, and right now our representative to the United Nations is involved in nonstop discussions, as are myself and other members of this government, and we’re not going to prejudge the outcome.
QUESTION: You’ve obviously (inaudible) through a very broad agenda. Madame Secretary, can you see an area of foreign policy where Norway actually could – a country like Norway could make a difference?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, my goodness. How much time do you have? I think Norway has made such a difference for so long. I just think back to the Oslo process, which put into motion years of actions that led to peace agreements with Jordan, which led to other measures that kept people alive and created positive outcomes on the ground in the Middle East. I think of the extraordinary breadth of Norwegian involvement in conflicts across the world.
Norway brings to each foreign policy challenge credibility as a nation that can be an independent and productive partner. Norway’s role in development assistance is among the very best in the world. And the more that Norway has learned about development, the more the others of us learn because they’re often on the front lines. We’re discussing some of the specific development projects that Norway has pioneered. In my efforts to look hard at our own development programs, I look to Norway among a very small number of countries that have not just commitment but proven results.
On nonproliferation and disarmament, its strong NATO commitment to the Afghanistan effort, just I think that anyone who looks around the world and tries to identify countries that have a proven track record in making a difference in global problems on a bilateral basis, a regional basis, a transnational one. The work that Norway has led on the Arctic is critically important for our future, its leadership on climate change – there is a long list that I won’t embarrass the minister by going on any longer – (laughter) – because that would be contrary to the Norwegian modesty that we know so well.
So, but let me just conclude by underlying the very high regard that I personally, that the Obama Administration, and our country have for the role that Norway plays.
MR. WOOD: Thank you all very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.
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