Uruguay's Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz and Interior Minister Carlos Negro made their first official visit to London from May 20 to 23, 2025, engaging in a series of meetings focused on

justice and security cooperation.

The primary aim of the visit was to gather insights and experiences to inform Uruguay’s plans to establish a new Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Over the four-day visit, the delegation met with British government officials, academics, representatives from the private sector, and NGOs. Highlights included two roundtable discussions—on cybersecurity and the space industry—that involved over a dozen UK stakeholders.

The delegation also visited key legal institutions, including the UK Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice, the London Magistrates’ Court, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

British Ambassador Mal Green emphasized the importance of the visit:

“The purpose of this invitation from the British government is to share experiences, ideas, challenges, and lessons learned to support the planning that the Uruguayan government is undertaking for the creation of its Ministry of Justice, as well as to exchange views on a priority for both countries: security.

I trust that the connections established will continue to deepen in the coming months through future virtual and in-person meetings, training, and technical cooperation”.

He added that the partnerships formed during the visit are expected to continue developing through further meetings, training, and technical cooperation.

According to Uruguay’s official Presidency website, Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz was impressed by the UK’s pragmatic and professional approach to justice and public security policy.

The agenda also included meetings with key figures involved in the UK’s own Ministry of Justice, established in 2007, such as current Undersecretary Lord Frederick Ponsonby—a descendant of John Brabazon Ponsonby, a British diplomat who played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s independence in 1828.

This marked the first official visit by members of President Yamandú Orsi’s administration to the UK, reinforcing the nearly 200-year relationship and ongoing cooperation between the two nations.