(Communicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice)
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Gideon Saar completed his visit to Uruguay today (Wednesday, 16 March 2022) and will continue to Argentina.
 
Minister Saar is representing the Israeli government at a host of events commemorating 30 years since the attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.
 
During his visit in Uruguay, Minister Saar met with President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou. During their meeting, Minister Saar emphasized Israel's opposition to the emerging Iran nuclear deal. Minister Saar clarified that while the time frame of the agreement will be very short - the removal of the economic sanctions on Iran is expected to enable the immediate flow of essential resources to terrorist organizations and will destabilize the region. Saar said that Israel is not a partner to such an agreement and will not limit its own operational range necessary for ensuring its security and that of its citizens. Furthermore, the two discussed the situation in Ukraine and the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the two countries (including trade relations).
 
Minister Saar expressed his gratitude to the Uruguayan President for the positive shift in Uruguay attitude towards Israel during Lacalle's presidency and invited him to visit Israel. President Lacalle thanked Minister Saar for the visit and expressed that he views himself as a partner and true friend of the State of Israel.
 
Earlier, Minister Saar met with Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Relations Francisco Bonasso. Saar also met with the heads of the Uruguayan Jewish community in the evening.

From Uruguay Minister Saar will continue to Buenos Aires to participate in the official events marking 30 years since the attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. Minister Saar is expected to speak at an event with the Congress of Argentina and to meet with President of Argentina Alberto Fernández.