January 17, 2002
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.
George W. Bush, Statement by the Press Secretary: Uruguayan President to Visit Washington Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/280365