• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Uruguay - Foreign Relations

Uruguay traditionally has had strong political and cultural links with its neighbors and Europe. With globalization and regional economic problems, its links to North America have strengthened. Uruguay is a strong advocate of constitutional democracy, political pluralism, and individual liberties. Its international relations historically have been guided by the principles of non-intervention, multilateralism, respect for national sovereignty, and reliance on the rule of law to settle disputes. Uruguay's international relations also reflect its drive to seek export markets and foreign investment.

The Department of International Cooperation, together with the diplomatic missions abroad, it aims to raise funds for the development of exchange programs, technical assistance and professional training. The Office of Planning and Budget determines priorities in this area. As a tool of foreign service, international cooperation is an element of fundamental importance to the fulfillment of the basic principles of our foreign policy. Similarly, it is an instrument with great potential for implementation in sectors increasingly diverse strategies selective for the promotion of human development, health programs, training of human resources, research in science and technology, development of small and medium enterprises, etc. the same is carried out through bilateral negotiations and periodically, the mechanism of Joint Commissions (bilateral meetings for the definition and monitoring of agreements and adopting areas of interest).

Uruguay's most important political and economic partners are its neighbours, in particular Brazil and Argentina. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela are full members of MERCOSUR, the Southern Cone Common Market, which also comprises associate members Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname. Mexico is an observer and Bolivia is in the process of becoming a full member.

Membership of Mercosur provides Uruguay with preferential trade access to the markets of Mercosur members and its associates. However, Uruguay has expressed an increasing dissatisfaction with the trading benefits that Mercosur has provided and increased protectionism from some other members, and has mooted external FTAs (an idea opposed by its Mercosur partners as inconsistent with Mercosur rules).

Uruguay is also a member of several regional organisations, including the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organization of American States (OAS), that seek to advance a variety of regional political and economic interests.

Uruguay is a member of the Rio Group, an association of Latin American states that deals with multilateral security issues (under the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance). Uruguay's location between Argentina and Brazil makes close relations with these two larger neighbors and MERCOSUR associate members Chile and Bolivia particularly important. Usually considered a neutral country and blessed with a professional diplomatic corps, Uruguay is often called on to preside over international bodies. Uruguay is a member of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), a trade association based in Montevideo that includes 10 South American countries plus Mexico and Cuba.

President Tabare Vazquez announced his administration will re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. Vazquez announced his plans 11 November 2004 in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, at a meeting of the leaders of his Broad Front coalition. The socialist leader said Uruguay will resume diplomatic ties with Havana on March first, when he takes office. Outgoing Uruguayan President Jorge Battle severed diplomatic ties with Cuba in April, 2002.

Relations with China and India are growing. In June 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Uruguay to strengthen ties and meet leaders, and in 2013 President Mujica visited China and met Chinese President Xi Jinping with a view to increase exports and attract investment into developing Uruguay’s infrastructure. In February 2013, India and Uruguay entered into an agreement for exploring and encouraging investment in Uruguay’s mining sector.

In March 2011, Uruguay declared its recognition of a Palestinian State.

Center-right candidate Luis Lacalle Pou won Uruguay's presidential election 28 November 2019 after his rival conceded, bringing an end to 15 years of leftist rule in the South American country. The election result signals a significant shift in foreign policy, with the incoming right-wing administration making no secret of their intention to recognize Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and the socialist Nicolas Maduro as illegitimate. The move will reverse current Uruguay policy under President Tabaré Vázquez, which -—contrary to most Latin American governments—- continues to recognize Maduro as president.