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![]() United States | ![]() Uruguay |
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Diplomatic mission | |
American embassy, Montevideo | Embassy of Uruguay, Washington, D.C. |
Relations between the United States and the Uruguay traditionally have been positive, based on a common outlook and emphasis on democratic ideals.
In historical perspective, starting in the 1890s Uruguay took the lead in reaching out to the U.S. in order to counter the heavy British business presence. The U.S. responded in friendly fashion. Knarr argues:
The US supported the civic-military dictatorship in Uruguay from 1973 to 1985.
In 2002, The United States and Uruguay created a Joint Commission on Trade and Investment (JCTI) to exchange ideas on a variety of economic topics. In March 2003, the JCTI identified six areas of concentration until the eventual signing of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA): customs issues, intellectual property protection, investment, labor, environment, and trade in goods. In late 2004, the United States and Uruguay signed an Open Skies Agreement, which was ratified in May 2006. In November 2005, they signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which entered into force on November 1, 2006. A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed in January 2007. More than 80 U.S.-owned companies operate in Uruguay, and many more market U.S. goods and services.
Uruguay cooperates with the U.S. on law enforcement matters such as regional efforts to fight drug trafficking and terrorism. It has also been very active in human rights issues.
From 1999 through early 2003, Uruguayan citizens were exempted from visas when entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. This exemption was withdrawn on April 16, 2003, based on the high overstay rates for Uruguayans and worldwide national security concerns.
Under Tabaré Vázquez, President of Uruguay from 2005 to 2010 and 2015 to 2020, Uruguay has taken positions on a number of issues which are very markedly different from those of the United States. However, under his right-wing successor, president Luis Lacalle Pou, since 2020, United States-Uruguay relations have again improved and strengthened. [2] Nevertheless, Vázquez sought the help of President George W Bush in the face of the crisis with Argentina around the Uruguay River pulp mill dispute. [3]
According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 40% of Uruguayans approve of U.S. leadership, with 22% disapproving and 38% uncertain. [4]
This article deals with the diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and international relations of Uruguay. At the political level, these matters are officially handled by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, also known as Cancillería, which answers to the President.
Argentina and the United States have maintained bilateral relations since the United States formally recognized the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, the predecessor to Argentina, on January 27, 1823.
The relationship between Chile and the United States, which dates back to the 19th century, has improved significantly since 1988 and is better than at any other time in history. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the US government applauded the rebirth of democratic practices in Chile, despite having supported the 1973 coup d'état and subsequent military regime.
Honduras and the United States have had formal relations since 1830. There is close cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of the War on Drugs while the National Port Authority in Puerto Cortés is part of the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's Container Security Initiative.
Lithuania is one of the most pro-United States nations in Europe and the world, with 73% of Lithuanians viewing the U.S. positively in 2011. According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 48% of Lithuanians approve of U.S. leadership, with 20% disapproving and 32% uncertain.
According to a 2010 American Community Survey, there are roughly 35,103 Maltese Americans residing in the United States.
Canada and Uruguay established diplomatic relations in 1951. Both countries are members of the Cairns Group, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
France–Uruguay relations are the current and historical relations between the French Republic and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Both nations enjoy friendly relations, the importance of which centers on the history of French migration to Uruguay. In the late 19th century, one-third of Uruguay's population was of French descent. Both nations are members of the United Nations.
Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay were first established in 1988. Relations were defined as “friendly and cooperative” by the Chinese government. The bilateral relation was promoted to a strategic partnership in 2016.
Japan–Uruguay relations are foreign relations between Japan and Uruguay. Both countries are members of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
The nations of Mexico and Uruguay established diplomatic relations in 1831. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
Spain–Uruguay relations are the current and historical relations between Spain and Uruguay. There is community of 67,000 Spanish nationals residing in Uruguay and 33,000 Uruguayan nationals residing in Spain. Both nations are members of the Association of Spanish Language Academies, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
Poland–Uruguay relations are foreign relations between Poland and Uruguay. Neither country has a resident ambassador. Both nations are members of the United Nations.
Colombia–Uruguay relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Colombia and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Both nations are members of the Cairns Group, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
Cuba–Uruguay relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
El Salvador–Uruguay relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of El Salvador and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
Portugal–Uruguay relations refers to the current and historical relations between Portugal and Uruguay. Both nations are members of the Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
Dominican Republic–Uruguay relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
India is represented in Uruguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina; it also has a consulate general in Montevideo. Uruguay has an embassy in New Delhi and a consulate in Mumbai. Diplomatic relations were established in 1948. The Uruguayan embassy in New Delhi was first opened in 1960 and operated until 1975. It was re-opened in 1998. In May 2010, Uruguayan ambassador to India Cesar Ferrer requested India to open an embassy in Montevideo.
Finland–Uruguay relations are the bilateral relations between Finland and Uruguay. Both nations are members of the United Nations.
This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.