For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 17, 2002

Uruguayan President to Visit Washington
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President will welcome Uruguayan President Jorge Batlle to Washington on February 15, 2002.  This visit provides the opportunity to deepen United States cooperation with Uruguay, a strong ally on counterterrorism and on advancing hemispheric free trade.  The United States appreciates Uruguay's support in the war on terrorism.  President Bush looks forward to discussing with President Batlle ways to advance negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas.

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