Bilateral relations
Uruguay and Canada: Bilateral Relations, Cooperation and Multilateral Engagement
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay and Canada established diplomatic relations on March 11, 1948, when Dr. César Montero Bustamante (image down right), Uruguay’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Canada, presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Canada, The Viscount Alexander.
Since then, the bilateral relationship has developed on the basis of shared values and interests, including respect for democracy and human rights, gender equality, the rule of law, environmental protection, support for multilateralism, and the promotion of open, inclusive, rules-based trade.
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay is represented in Canada by its Embassy in Ottawa, which includes a Consular Section. It also has Consulates General in Toronto and Montreal, as well as an Honorary District Consulate in Vancouver. Canada, for its part, is represented in the Oriental Republic of Uruguay by its Embassy in Montevideo.
Both countries actively participate in multilateral and regional forums, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the World Trade Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Court, and other spaces for international cooperation.
Cooperation in the area of peace and security is an important component of the bilateral relationship. The Oriental Republic of Uruguay and Canada have worked together on issues related to peacekeeping operations, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, the protection of civilians, and the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers. In 2017, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay co-hosted with Canada the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial, held in Vancouver.
The bilateral agenda also includes political dialogue, trade and investment, cooperation, culture, education, innovation, technology, consular affairs, and coordination in international organizations. The Oriental Republic of Uruguay, as a full member of MERCOSUR, is also part of a regional agenda of economic and trade dialogue with Canada.
The cultural and community dimension occupies a prominent place in the bilateral relationship. The Embassy promotes the presence of Uruguayan culture in Canada through academic, musical, literary, audiovisual, and community activities. These initiatives include activities with Canadian universities, presentations by Uruguayan artists, the promotion of national cinema, participation in book fairs, and collaboration with Uruguayan community organizations in Canada.
In this context, noteworthy activities include the recital and masterclass by Maestro Enrique Graf at the University of Ottawa, held in May 2025 as part of the Bicentennial of the Declaration of National Independence; the donation of Uruguayan books to the Uruguayan Advisory Council of the Greater Montreal Region; and the promotion of ties with community and cultural organizations such as Club Uruguay Toronto and Candombe Montreal.
The relationship between the two countries is strengthened through people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, academic cooperation, tourism, culture, and the contribution of the community of Uruguayan origin residing in Canada. In this context, the Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to Canada works to deepen political dialogue, promote national interests, support the Uruguayan community, and expand opportunities for cooperation between both countries.
Political, Institutional and Multilateral Profile
The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to Canada carries out a political and institutional agenda aimed at strengthening bilateral dialogue, promoting national interests and consolidating Uruguay’s presence before the Government of Canada, federal and provincial institutions, the Canadian Parliament, international organizations based or represented in Canada, universities, think tanks and civil society actors.
The bilateral relationship is grounded in shared values, including democracy, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, multilateralism, international cooperation, open and rules-based trade, sustainability, and the promotion of international peace and security.
The Embassy maintains dialogue with Global Affairs Canada and other federal bodies, follows up on the Uruguay–Canada Bilateral Consultation and Coordination Mechanism, supports parliamentary ties and promotes spaces for dialogue with Canadian authorities, academic institutions, international organizations and local communities.
The multilateral dimension is a central component of Uruguay’s presence in Canada. The Embassy and the Permanent Representation of Uruguay to the International Civil Aviation Organization support the country’s participation in ICAO and promote safer, more sustainable, efficient and inclusive international civil aviation.
In 2025, Uruguay was elected to the ICAO Council, Part III, for the 2025–2028 term, during the Assembly of the Organization held in Montreal. This achievement represents international recognition of the country’s commitment to operational safety, international cooperation and the sustainable development of civil aviation.
The Embassy also participates in initiatives related to human rights, diversity, inclusion, gender equality, La Francophonie, culture, education, innovation, the protection of civilians and international cooperation. In this context, Uruguay joined initiatives in Ottawa such as the Diplomats for Equality 2025 joint statement, reaffirming its commitment to dignity, inclusion and non-discrimination.
The Embassy’s territorial presence is complemented by the work of the Consulates General in Montreal and Toronto, and the Honorary District Consulate in Vancouver, allowing coordinated action across Canada’s regions.