Uruguay and New Zealand
Strategic Partners, Shared Values
Uruguay and New Zealand have an excellent bilateral relationship, based on a deep community of values and a shared vision on key issues such as multilateralism, democracy, the defence of human rights and sustainability. This affinity is reinforced by structural similarities: similar size of their territories, openness to the world and complementary economies, which makes New Zealand a natural and strategic partner for Uruguay.
International Cooperation and Global Alliances
Both countries are strong advocates of the rules-based international system and natural allies in multilateral forums. They agree on issues of human rights, protection of civilians, the environment and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), in addition to sharing common visions of Antarctic governance.
Innovation, Sustainability and Agriculture of the Future
Uruguay and New Zealand have identified key areas of cooperation in sustainable production, climate change adaptation, and innovation in agriculture. Historically, collaboration in agricultural and livestock research has been a pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Both countries share a common vision regarding the development of more resilient production systems with less environmental impact. They are founding members of the Global Alliance for Research on Greenhouse Gases in Agriculture (GRA), where they actively cooperate in reducing emissions from the agricultural sector, combining science, technology and sustainable practices.
This commitment was consolidated with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the area of Agriculture and Livestock in 2019, which promotes initiatives for technical dialogue, knowledge exchange and development of joint policies in key areas for both countries.
A renewed commitment
The Official Visit of Uruguay's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Valeria Csukasi, to New Zealand from September 21 to 23 2025, reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. Moreover, it opened up new opportunities for cooperation in key areas such as agricultural innovation, clean energy, and Antarctic governance. Further strenghtening the ties between two countries committed to a sustainable development based on shared values.