How can we define the defense relationship between our two countries?
The relationship between France and Uruguay remains dynamic despite the “tyranny of distances”. Indeed, our military assets are far from Uruguay and direct interactions between French and Uruguayan military units are quite rare. Nevertheless, thanks to the sincere friendship between our two peoples and a true convergence in our conceptions of the rule of law and multilateralism, we manage to structure our bilateral defense relationship around common issues and priorities.
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What exactly are these major issues and priorities that structure the bilateral defense relationship?
As for the entire Latin American region, one of France’s priorities is to support the capability efforts of our partners. It does this by offering new or used equipment and weapons projects to our partner. Beyond the presentation of this equipment and support for the initiatives of companies in our defense industrial and technological base, my role is to reassure the partner about government support for these acquisition projects. I also create the link between manufacturers, the DGA but also the EMA and the BRI of the armed forces, in order to develop cooperation projects. The goal is to structure our relationship over time.
My role is also to develop concrete cooperation projects based on the issues and priorities of France and Uruguay, such as:
- Executive training thanks to offers offered by the armies and the DCSD (Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation) or French courses;
- The exchange of experience in our areas of expertise and converging interests, such as maritime security or peacekeeping operations.
Finally, I am developing close ties with the military and civilian authorities of the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense to advance our influence and support the diplomatic action of our embassy.
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What are the specificities of your missions as non-resident defense attaché (ADNR) in this country, with regard to the local and regional context?
The specificity of the role of a non-resident defense attaché (ADNR) is his daily physical absence in the country to which he is attached. This particularity requires me to prioritize my actions in an even more rigorous manner. These must fit into my agenda constrained by my role as resident defense attaché in Argentina and my role as non-resident defense attaché in Paraguay. This requires very close dialogue and coordination with the French Ambassador to Uruguay in order to best support her in her missions, despite my relatively weak presence and my less profound knowledge of the particularities of her country. However, in the case of Uruguay, I am able to travel to the country quite regularly from Buenos Aires, because the ferry crossing is inexpensive and quick. I therefore still manage to maintain a certain proximity with my interlocutors, both from the embassy and from my country of non-residence.
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What will be the next highlights or structuring meetings in the bilateral defense relationship between France and Uruguay?
In the absence of a dedicated strategic dialogue or formalized staff meetings, the highlights between our two countries are punctuated by:
- Uruguayan national and military ceremonies;
- Prize giving to students of military schools;
- Meetings with military and political authorities according to the needs expressed by the partner or by the diplomatic post.
In my opinion, the challenge is to demonstrate flexibility and to show our partner that they matter to us and that despite a physical absence on a daily basis, we remain available to them and at their disposal to advance our bilateral relationship.
