Uruguay - South Africa Respected Friends and Partners
Ambassador Jose Luis Rivas, DG Avril Williamson and Ambassador Mzolisa Bona of Dirco
30 August 2022
On August 25 Uruguay celebrated 197 years of its independence. After almost 2 centuries Uruguay is highly ranked in key indicators in terms of peace and stability, human development, democratic process, inclusivity, among others, as compared to the countries of Latin America.
“We can see a strong republican society where the Uruguayan people have shown their will to constitute an independent and sovereign state, based on its democratic institutions and fully linked to the international community,” said Jose Luis Rivas, Ambassador of Uruguay to South Africa at a reception commemorating Uruguay’s Independence, in Pretoria, City of Tshwane.
Delivering congratulatory remarks on behalf of Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Avril Williamson, Director General referred to the visit of Uruguayan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolina Ache Batlle in May 2022 for the Inaugural Meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism at the invitation of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations, Alvin Botes.
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“International relations are always a ‘work in progress’,“ said Rivas on the MOU that will enhance engagements and interaction in a number of areas including that of agri-business, defence, minerals and energy with a focus on renewables and sport, among others. “We have also agreed on a road map to move forward and to boost our bilateral agenda,” Rivas added.
“Uruguay is committed to the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development and human rights. Each pillar is a goal by itself but at the same time they are interconnected and interdependent. To achieve the goals of the Charter we must continue working on the defence, protection and promotion of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and fundamental freedoms. We must make sure that our development is sustainable, allowing everyone to have a better life while preserving our healthy planet. We must continue making our best efforts in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful solutions,” said Rivas.
Williamson commended Uruguay on the critical role it plays in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, in particular its contribution to the restoration of peace and security on the African Continent. “We are equally grateful for your commitment to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 pertaining to Women, Peace and Security.”
She also congratulated the Uruguay national soccer and rugby teams for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Rugby World Cup 2023.