Both parts hope to sign several agreements of collaboration and to ratify or strengthen others in commercial, energy and oil prospecting, health and adult"s education areas.

Ministry of Social Development Sub-secretary Ana Olivera told Prensa Latina that one of the objectives will be to strengthen cooperation in the island, spreading the campaign of alphabetization in Uruguay, based on Cuban method "Yo si puedo".

This South American nation is also interested in analyzing Cuban experiences regarding assistance to those physically disabled and in exploring the possibilities of purchasing vaccines and biotechnological products, with a view to signing agreements in those areas.

Bilateral conversations related to this will take place during the third Meeting of the Mixed Commission of Economic-Industrialist and Scientist-Technique Cooperation, with the participation of representatives of several Uruguayan state-owned and independent organizations.

Foreign Affairs Sub-secretary Pedro Vaz is heading the delegation; he is to chair the third Meeting on Exchange and Political Consultations among Foreign Offices.

According to sources of the Cuban embassy to Uruguay, bilateral trade has increased from eight million dollars in 2005 to 57 million in 2007. Uruguayan sales amounted to 55 million dollars that year and its purchases were two million.

(PL)