Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With President-Elect Luis Alberto Lacalle of Uruguay

President Bush met with Uruguayan President-elect Luis Alberto Lacalle for approximately 40 minutes this morning. The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including trade, investment, debt, and the fight against narcotics traffickers. President Bush expressed support for President-elect Lacalle's plans to reform and strengthen Uruguay's economy and stated that the United States would work closely with Uruguay toward this goal. The two Presidents took note of plans for the negotiation of a mutual legal assistance treaty and agreed that such a treaty would be mutually beneficial.