Uruguay-South Africa Ties Strengthened
The Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) in South Africa hosted a warm farewell luncheon on Friday, 16 January 2026, in honour of H.E. Mr. José Luís Rivas López, the outgoing Ambassador of Uruguay to South Africa.
The event, held in Pretoria, brought together diplomats to celebrate Ambassador Rivas López’s tenure and bid him farewell as he concludes his posting. Appointed in October 2021, he presented his credentials shortly thereafter and served for over four years, fostering stronger bilateral ties between Uruguay and South Africa.
During his term, Ambassador Rivas López notably spearheaded Uruguay’s vibrant 200th Independence anniversary celebrations in Pretoria in 2025, which featured high-level exchanges—including invitations between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Luis Lacalle Pou—deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations. He also actively participated in multilateral forums, emphasizing shared values like democracy, solidarity, and South-South cooperation.
Colleagues praised his dedication to enhancing Uruguay-South Africa partnerships in trade, culture, and global issues.
