Secretary Chao, left, with President Vazquez

Following yesterday's inauguration of the newly elected president to Uruguay, Dr. Tabare Vazquez, the U.S. official delegation representing President George W. Bush met with Dr. Vazquez to congratulate him and to discuss "a broad range of bilateral and regional issues", according to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao who led the delegation.

The U.S. delegation included Ms. Marilyn Ware, chairman emerita of the American Water Works Company, and Martin J. Silverstein, Ambassador of the United States of America in Uruguay.

After the meeting with President Vazquez, Secretary Chao issued the following statement:

(begin text)

STATEMENT OF U.S. LABOR SECRETARY ELAINE L. CHAO
Edificio Independencia, Montevideo
March 2, 2005

AUDIO (as delivered)

I am very pleased to represent President Bush and the people of the United States of America at the inauguration of President Tabare Vazquez.

The President and I have just had a productive meeting at which we discussed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues. The United States and Uruguay share democratic traditions stretching back almost two centuries and have had excellent relations throughout most of their histories.

Uruguay has long set an admirable example in this hemisphere of government by and for the people. The peaceful transition from President Batlle to President Vazquez is yet another indication that democracy is alive and well on the Rio de la Plata.

President Bush has already spoken with President Vazquez, and it was my honor to follow up on that conversation in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. I can assure you that the Bush administration looks forward to working with the Vazquez administration to advance our common goals in this hemisphere of democracy and good governance, security, and economic growth and development.

And I also emphasize that it is the wish of the American people, we want to be friends with Uruguay, and we hope that Uruguay will remember that America wants to be a friend to Uruguay.

Thank you very much.

(end text)

 

    PHOTO GALLERY
    (Click on images to enlarge)

U.S. delegation headed by Secretary Chao arrives at Edificio Independencia

Secretary Chao with President Vazquez

U.S. Ambassador Martin J. Silverstein, Ms. Marilyn Ware, Secretary Chao, interpreter, and President Tabare Vazquez

Secretary Chao, Ms. Ware and Ambassador Silverstein following their meeting with President Tabare Vazquez

 

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