Bilateral Relations between Uruguay and Israel
Historical Background
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay officially recognized the new State of Israel, becoming one of the first countries in the world to do so, four days after Israel’s Declaration of Independence. This marked the beginning of a relationship characterized by mutual respect, cooperation and a historic affinity between the two nations.
Previously, Uruguay had supported various initiatives aimed at the creation of modern Israel. For example, at the 1920 San Remo Conference, Uruguay expressed its support for the establishment of a “Jewish National Home,” reaffirming early its commitment to the right of self-determination and its backing of the international foundations that preceded the creation of the State of Israel.
In 1947, Uruguay took part in the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) represented by Enrique Rodríguez Fabregat, and voted in favor of the partition plan that provided an international legal framework for the establishment of Israel. This participation reflected Uruguay’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Bilateral Cooperation
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries have developed various mechanisms of cooperation. In 2007, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and Israel signed a bilateral consultation agreement aimed at strengthening coordination on regional and multilateral issues, as well as deepening political dialogue between both ministries.
In the economic arena, a significant milestone was the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between MERCOSUR and Israel in 2010, which opened new opportunities to diversify trade and increase the flow of goods and services.
Additionally, in the fields of science, innovation, and technology, both countries have strengthened cooperation, with recent initiatives focused on promoting investments, joint ventures and knowledge transfer.
Shared Values
The relationship between Uruguay and Israel is based on solid shared values, including democracy, international cooperation, pluralism, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to global challenges. In 2023, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, an occasion that once again highlighted the deep historical bond and the strong commitment to continue strengthening bilateral friendship.
Present and Future
The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in the State of Israel works continuously to strengthen and expand the ties between both countries, promoting political, economic, academic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation. Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to continue developing a modern, dynamic and future-oriented bilateral agenda, which will contribute to the well-being of both societies and the strengthening of the principles and values that have historically guided the relationship.