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Strengthening US-Uruguay security partnership through defense and fire sector cooperation

February 13, 2024

Gen. Richardson’s visit marks a pivotal moment in bilateral defense relations

In an effort to fortify the bilateral defense partnership, U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, conducted a significant visit to Uruguay from February 5 to 8, 2024.

This visit, her first to Uruguay as SOUTHCOM commander, included meetings with senior government and defense leaders to discuss and enhance the United States and Uruguay’s defense cooperation.

During her stay, Gen. Richardson had the opportunity to closely observe Uruguay’s Armed Forces and their contributions to both domestic and regional security, as well as their support for global peacekeeping efforts.

The engagements commenced on February 6, when Richardson met with Uruguayan Minister of Defense, Javier García, focusing on defense cooperation.

Subsequent meetings with Gen. Rodolfo Pereyra, Chief of the Defense Staff of the Uruguayan Armed Forces, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Paganini, further explored the continued cooperation and ways to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Uruguay defense partnership.

U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, Heide B. Fulton, accompanied Richardson throughout these discussions.

Collaboration and support in defense and security sectors highlighted

The agenda on February 7 was dedicated to the Uruguayan armed forces, where Richardson visited the headquarters of the Uruguayan Air Force, Navy, and Army.

She engaged with top leadership and senior staff to discuss the robust partnership between the two nation’s armed forces.

Notable meetings included discussions with Uruguayan Air Force Commander Gen. Luis De León, Navy Commander Adm. Jorge Wilson, and Army Commander Gen. Mário Stevenazzi.

An integral part of the visit was Richardson’s stop at the Escuela Nacional de Operaciones de Paz del Uruguay, highlighting Uruguay’s significant role in United Nations Peacekeeping missions.

Uruguay’s contribution per capita to U.N.-sponsored missions surpasses that of any other Western Hemisphere nation, showcasing its commitment to global peacekeeping.

Advancement in firefighting and disaster response capabilities

A key highlight of Richardson’s visit was the United States’ donation of firefighting support equipment to Uruguay’s Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (Sinae).

The donation included “Bambi Buckets” and 40 self-contained breathing apparatuses, aimed at bolstering the nation’s disaster response capabilities.

This gesture underscores the multifaceted nature of the U.S.-Uruguay partnership, extending beyond traditional defense cooperation to encompass disaster preparedness and response.

FSJA Comment

The visit of U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson to Uruguay represents a significant milestone in the bilateral defense and security relations between the United States and Uruguay.

It reinforces the longstanding partnership, illustrating the evolving nature of defense cooperation, which now includes critical areas like disaster response and women’s integration in security roles.

The donation of firefighting equipment to Uruguay’s Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (Sinae) is a testament to the practical aspects of this partnership, focusing on enhancing Uruguay’s capabilities to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Such collaborations are vital for building resilient communities and ensuring preparedness against natural and man-made challenges.

This visit and the discussions held signify a continued commitment to shared values and objectives in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.

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