Uruguay and Australia

20/08/2025

Uruguay and Australia: Friendship and Cooperation. In 2025, Uruguay and Australia mark more than seven decades of diplomatic relations and over a century of consular ties. United by democracy and multilateralism, both countries work together in agricultural trade, clean energy, digital innovation and the Antarctic Treaty System, strengthening a friendship built on trust, solidarity and a shared vision for the future.

In 2025, Uruguay and Australia celebrate 77 years of diplomatic relations and 102 years of consular relations, consolidating a history of friendship and cooperation that has strengthened over time.

Uruguay established diplomatic relations with Australia on December 15, 1948. Since then, the Embassy in Canberra has played a fundamental role on two levels: with the Australian federal government, with which it maintains an excellent relationship and a mutual interest in deepening ties; and with the state governments, some of which have shown special interest in strengthening relations with Latin America.

This historic relationship, founded on shared principles such as democracy, human rights, stability and multilateralism, has made both countries natural allies on the international stage.

A friendship based on common principles

Uruguay and Australia stand out for their high standards in democracy, fairness and transparency, and share a strong defence of the rules-based international system. Its commitment to human rights, peace and global security is reflected in its active participation in peacekeeping operations and in the promotion of the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Strategic Partners in Trade, Sustainability and Innovation

Both countries have export-oriented agricultural economies, are regional leaders in digital technology and clean energy, and work together for fair agricultural trade reform at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). They also collaborate closely on negotiations on e-commerce, investment facilitation, and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In intellectual property, they coordinate positions on geographical indications and protection of common names, leading an informal group together with other countries.

A Solid and Human Cooperation

The bilateral bond was strengthened by Uruguay's response of solidarity to the situation of Australian citizens stranded on cruise ships in 2020, in a regional context of border closures during the covid-19 pandemic. This gesture marked a milestone of closeness and mutual trust.

Parliamentary Commitment and Antarctic Projection

Both Parliaments have active Parliamentary Friendship Groups, which strengthen political dialogue. In addition, Uruguay and Australia cooperate closely in the Antarctic Treaty System, with a common vision on education, science and youth as lines of action in the region.