Pedro Sánchez visited Uruguay, signed agreements with Orsi, and warned about the rise of the global far right.
During his visit to Uruguay, Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed ties with Yamandú Orsi, signed cooperation agreements, and expressed concern about the rise of hate speech internationally, highlighting the role of progressive governments.
Pedro Sánchez and Yamandú Orsi strengthened ties between Uruguay and Spain with new agreements.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made an official visit to Uruguay, where he was received by President Yamandú Orsi. This is the first time since 2007 that a Spanish Prime Minister has visited the South American country.
During his visit to Montevideo, Sánchez highlighted the shared history between the two nations, emphasizing the ties forged through migration. He noted that Uruguay is, proportionally, the country with the largest number of Spanish emigrants in its population. This heritage, he said, strengthens the bilateral relationship in historical and human terms.
In a press conference with Orsi, the Spanish president maintained that in times of global political tension, it is crucial to remember the roots of today's democracies. "Not so long ago, many Spaniards came to these lands seeking a freedom they couldn't find in their own country," he said.
Both presidents recently participated in the "Democracy Always" summit held in Santiago, Chile, organized by President Gabriel Boric. There, they agreed with other Latin American leaders, such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil) and Gustavo Petro (Colombia), on the need to strengthen progressive projects in the face of the rise of extreme positions.
In this regard, Sánchez emphasized that the goal is not to confront, but to build. He noted that democratic governments must present concrete proposals in the face of rhetoric that, he said, weakens citizens' trust in institutions.
The visit also included the signing of six agreements between Spain and Uruguay. Among them is a security agreement to combat transnational organized crime. This agreement establishes a framework for the exchange of information between police forces of both countries.
Another of the documents signed was an Alliance for Sustainable Development, focused on promoting inclusive democracy, gender equality, and innovation-based economies. This instrument marks a milestone, being the first of its kind signed between Spain and a middle-income country.
Memoranda of understanding were also signed on consular matters, gender equality, cooperation between diplomatic schools, and in the cultural sphere.
Sánchez reiterated his support for the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, stating that its entry into force is "imperative." In his view, this treaty could boost global trade at a time of prevailing economic barriers and conflicts.
During his interventions, both at business forums and official meetings, the Spanish president emphasized that these types of alliances are not only commercial but also symbolic. They represent a commitment to openness and multilateralism in a complex period for democratic governance worldwide.
For his part, Orsi expressed his satisfaction with the visit and noted that Uruguay intends to strengthen ties with Spain, not only institutionally but also from a social and cultural perspective.