View source for Foreign relations of Vanuatu

{{short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Politics of Vanuatu}}

[[Vanuatu]] maintains diplomatic relations with many countries, and it has a small network of [[Diplomatic missions of Vanuatu|diplomatic missions]]. [[Australia]], [[France]], [[Japan]], [[New Zealand]], the [[People's Republic of China]], [[South Korea]] and the [[United Kingdom]] maintain embassies, High Commissions, or missions in [[Port Vila]]. The [[British High Commission]] maintained a continued presence for almost a century, though closed from 2005 until reopening in 2019.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-british-high-commissioner-to-vanuatu-summer-2019 Change of British High Commissioner to Vanuatu - Summer 2019], GOV.UK. Retrieved 15 February 2020.</ref>

The government's main concern has been to bolster the economy. In keeping with its need for financial assistance, Vanuatu has joined the [[Asian Development Bank]], the [[World Bank]], the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF). According to [[ABC Radio Australia]], "Foreign policy issues that feature in Vanuatu include wide support for the [[Free Papua Movement|Free West Papua Movement]] and broadly for independence throughout [[Melanesia]], the [[One China Policy]] and relations with Australia and New Zealand." On the latter topic, [[guest worker]] programmes feature prominently.<ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200809/s2359773.htm?tab=pacific "Uncertainty after Vanuatu's general election"], ABC Radio Australia, 9 September 2008</ref>

== History ==

===1980s: the Lini policies===

Vanuatu (formerly the [[New Hebrides]]) obtained independence from France and the [[United Kingdom]] in 1980. The country's first elected leader, Prime Minister Father [[Walter Lini]], governed Vanuatu from 1980 to 1991, and shaped its initial foreign policy in distinct ways. The key bases of Lini's foreign policy were [[neutrality (international relations)|non-alignment]] and [[anti-colonialism]], support for independence movements around the world - from faraway [[Western Sahara]] to neighbouring [[New Caledonia]], as well as [[East Timor]] and [[West Papua (region)|West Papua]], who all received Vanuatu's support at the [[United Nations]].<ref name="HUFFER, Elise 1993, pp. 272–282">HUFFER, Elise, ''Grands hommes et petites îles: La politique extérieure de Fidji, de Tonga et du Vanuatu'', Paris: Orstom, 1993, {{ISBN|2-7099-1125-6}}, pp. 272–282</ref>

Vanuatu notably angered [[Indonesia]] by allowing the [[Free Papua Movement]] to open an office in [[Port-Vila]]. Vanuatu in the 1980s was the only country in Oceania not to align with the [[Western bloc]] in the dying stages of the [[Cold War]]. Rejecting support either for the West or for the [[Eastern bloc|East]], Vanuatu joined the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] in 1983, and only established diplomatic relations with the [[Soviet Union–Vanuatu relations|Soviet Union]] and the [[United States]] in June and September 1986, respectively.<ref name="HUFFER, Elise 1993, pp. 272–282"/>

In keeping with this policy, Vanuatu established [[Vanuatu–Cuba relations|diplomatic relations with Cuba]] in 1983, and [[Vanuatu–Libya relations|with Libya]] in 1986. Lini openly condemned the [[1986 bombing of Libya]] by the United States, sending a message of condoleances to Colonel [[Muammar Gaddafi]], while [[Barak Sopé]] accused the United States of being a [[State sponsor of terrorism]]. The same accusation was levelled by Vanuatu against France after the sinking of the ''[[Rainbow Warrior (1955)|Rainbow Warrior]]''. [[United States–Vanuatu relations|Relations with the United States]] were tense until the late 1980s, when a State visit to [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] by Lini and Foreign Affairs Minister [[Sela Molisa]] contributed to a lessening of tensions. [[France–Vanuatu relations|Relations with France]] remained strained throughout the 1980s for [[France–Vanuatu relations#1980s: off to a rocky start|a variety of reasons]].<ref>''Ibid''</ref>

Lini's government opposed [[French nuclear tests]] at [[Mururoa]], and spoke out repeatedly against [[apartheid]] in [[South Africa]]. Vanuatu was a member of the [[United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid]]. In 1990, Vanuatu's ambassador to the United Nations [[Robert Van Lierop]] remarked proudly: "I think that Vanuatu's contribution to the United Nations is somewhat disproportionate in relation to its size. [...] When the Prime Minister met [[Nelson Mandela]] in [[Namibia]], Mandela knew about Vanuatu because it has always been among the countries in the region that have most clearly spoken out on the problem of apartheid".<ref>''Ibid''</ref>

Vanuatu under Walter Lini also sought to create solid relations with [[Asia]], and, by the end of the decade, had established official diplomatic relations with the [[People's Republic of China]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]], [[North Korea]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Vietnam]] and the [[Philippines]].<ref>''Ibid''</ref>

===1990s: the Carlot Korman and Vohor years===

Following the [[1991 Vanuatuan general election|1991 general election]], the [[French language|francophone]] [[Union of Moderate Parties]] became the dominant party in Parliament, and [[Maxime Carlot Korman]] became the country's first francophone Prime Minister. He "reversed [the country's] unequivocal support for the [[Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front|Kanak National Liberation Front]] in New Caledonia, its systematic enmity towards France, its flirting with radical regimes, and its openly anti-American nuclear-free Pacific stance." Francophones held power, under Carlot Korman or [[Serge Vohor]], until 1998.<ref>William F.S. Miles, ''Bridging Mental Boundaries in a Postcolonial Microcosm: Identity and Development in Vanuatu'', Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1998, {{ISBN|0-8248-2048-7}}, pp. 25–7</ref>

== Foreign policy issues ==

=== Aid ===

Since 1980, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand have provided the bulk of Vanuatu's development aid. As of March 2008, Australia was Vanuatu's biggest aid provider, followed by France.<ref>[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/pays-zones-geo_833/vanuatu_580/france-vanuatu_3395/index.html "La France et le Vanuatu"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309153010/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/pays-zones-geo_833/vanuatu_580/france-vanuatu_3395/index.html |date=9 March 2012 }}, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref> A number of other countries, including [[Japan]], [[Canada]], [[Germany]], and various multilateral organizations, such as the [[Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific]], the [[UN Development Programme]], the Asian Development Bank, the [[European Economic Community]], and the [[Commonwealth Development Corporation]] also provide developmental aid. The [[United States]], Canada, [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], the [[United Kingdom]], South Korea and Japan also send volunteers. Since the mid-2000s, Cuba has been a noted provider of medical aid.

===Support to the right of self-determination===

Vanuatu continues to promote the right to [[self-determination]]. In the 1980s, the [[Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic|SADR]] and [[Palestine]] was recognized.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Later, Vanuatu recognized [[Kosovo]] in 2010 and [[Abkhazia]] in 2011.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Vanuatu is the only country in the world that recognizes all four of these states.{{Time needed|date=April 2021}} This makes Vanuatu the only country in Oceania to officially recognize each of Palestine, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Abkhazia as of August 2025. In addition, Vanuatu strongly supports the [[Free Papua Movement]] and its program of self-determination of [[West Papua (region)|West Papua]], a region in [[Indonesia]], in the midst of [[Papua conflict]]. Vanuatu's bringing up the issue at international forums has brought sharp rebukes from Indonesia; according to its diplomats, "it is shameful that [Vanuatu has an] excessive and unhealthy obsession about how Indonesia should govern itself" and states that Vanuatu is "not a representation of the people of Papua, and stop fantasising of being one."<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/427114/indonesia-lashes-out-at-vanuatu-over-west-papua-at-the-un| title = Indonesia lashes out at Vanuatu over West Papua at the UN| website = [[Radio New Zealand]]| date = 28 September 2020}}</ref>

====''Wantok Blong Yumi Bill''====

In June 2010, the [[Parliament of Vanuatu]] unanimously gave its support to a motion – the [[Wantok Blong Yumi Bill]] – clarifying Vanuatu's foreign policy with regards to West Papuan independence claims from Indonesia. The bill, tabled by Independent MP [[Ralph Regenvanu]] and supported by Prime Minister [[Edward Natapei]] and opposition leader [[Maxime Carlot Korman]], committed Vanuatu to recognising West Papua's independence; to seeking observer status for West Papua in the [[Melanesian Spearhead Group]] and in the [[Pacific Islands Forum]]; and to "request[ing] [United Nations] [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]] support for the [[International Court of Justice]] to provide an advisory opinion on the process in which the former [[Dutch New Guinea]] was ceded to Indonesia in the 1960s".<ref name="RNZI_54332">{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=54332 |title=Vanuatu to seek UN General Assembly support for ICJ opinion on Indonesia's Papua |date=23 June 2010 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu/news.html "Vanuatu’s Parliament Pass Bill in Support for West Papua"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724142105/http://www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu/news.html |date=24 July 2010 }}, Government of Vanuatu</ref><ref>[http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/06/vanuatu-to-seek-observer-status-for-west-papua-at-msg-and-pif-leaders-summits/ "Vanuatu to seek observer status for West Papua at MSG and PIF leaders summits"], ''Pacific Scoop'', 22 June 2010</ref>

==International organizational participation==

===Regional relations===

Vanuatu maintains strong regional ties in the Pacific. It is a full member of the [[Pacific Islands Forum]], the [[South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission]], the [[South Pacific Tourism Organisation]], the [[Pacific Regional Environment Programme]] and the [[Secretariat of the Pacific Community]]. Vanuatu is one of the eight signatories of the [[Nauru Agreement|Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Interest]] which collectively controls 25-30% of the world's tuna supply and approximately 60% of the western and central Pacific tuna supply.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://klima-tuvalu.no/2011/04/13/pacific-islands-fighting-for-their-tuna/ |title=Pacific islands fighting for their tuna &#124; Klima-Tuvalu |publisher=Klima-tuvalu.no |access-date=2013-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819123129/http://klima-tuvalu.no/2011/04/13/pacific-islands-fighting-for-their-tuna/ |archive-date=19 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Vanuatu endorsed the [[Treaty of Rarotonga]] (the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty) in 1995.<ref>http://www.countrywatch.com/cw_topic.aspx?type=text&vcountry=177&topic=POFOR{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Vanuatu has been a member of [[The Forum of Small States (FOSS)]] since the group's founding in 1992.<ref name="singaporebook">{{Cite book|title=50 Years of Singapore and the United Nations |publisher=World Scientific |isbn=978-981-4713-03-0 |year=2015 }}access-date=28 March 2024</ref>

===Extra-regional organizational relations===

Vanuatu has been a member of the [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie]] since 1979 (the year before it gained independence from France). Vanuatu was admitted to the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] in 1980 and to the [[United Nations]] in 1981. Vanuatu is currently the only Pacific nation that belongs to the [[Non-Aligned Movement]],

Additionally outside the region, Vanuatu is a member or participant of the [[ACP (Lomé Convention)]], the [[Alliance of Small Island States]], [[Asian Development Bank]], [[Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific]] (ESCAP), the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] (FAO), the [[Group of 77|G-77]], the [[International Bank for Reconstruction and Development]], the [[International Civil Aviation Organization]], the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement]], the [[International Development Association]], the [[International Finance Corporation]], the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]], the [[International Maritime Organization]], the [[International Olympic Committee]], the [[International Telecommunication Union]] (ITU), the [[Universal Postal Union]] and the [[World Meteorological Organization]]. Vanuatu became a member of the WTO in 2012. Vanuatu is also a non-signatory user of [[Intelsat]].

Vanuatu became a member of [[Interpol]] in 2018 and is currently a suspended member of the International Hydrographic Organization - since 2019.

On 4 December 2020, Vanuatu became the sixth ever nation to graduate from the United Nations official list of [[Least developed countries|Least Developed Countries]] (LDC). After meeting graduation thresholds in the Human Assets Index and income in 2006, 2009 and 2012, the UN [[Committee for Development Policy]] recommended graduation. The UN Economic and Social Council and UN General Assembly approved of the recommendation in 2012 and 2013, but after [[Cyclone Pam]] Vanuatu was granted an extension until 2020. The country lost exclusive access to certain international support measures such as in the areas of development assistance and trade.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-04|title=Vanuatu graduates from list of least developed countries|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1079252|access-date=2021-04-20|website=UN News|language=en}}</ref>

==Countries with diplomatic relations==

List of countries with which Vanuatu has diplomatic relations with:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="3" |[[File:Diplomatic relations of Vanuatu.svg|frameless|425x425px]]
|-
!#
!Country
!Date<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vanuatu Diplomatic Relations |url=https://mfaicet.gov.vu/images/documents/VANUATU_NATIONAL_FOREIGN_POLICY.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925183844/https://mfaicet.gov.vu/images/documents/VANUATU_NATIONAL_FOREIGN_POLICY.pdf |archive-date=25 September 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=mfaicet.gov.vu |pages=49–51}}</ref><ref name="un">{{cite web |title=Diplomatic relations between Vanuatu and ... |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/search?ln=en&as=1&m1=p&p1=Diplomatic+relations+between+Vanuatu+and+...&f1=series&op1=a&m2=a&p2=&f2=&op2=a&m3=a&p3=&f3=&dt=&d1d=&d1m=&d1y=&d2d=&d2m=&d2y=&rm=&action_search=Search&sf=year&so=a&rg=50&c=United+Nations+Digital+Library+System&of=hb&fti=0&fti=0 |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=United Nations Digital Library}}</ref>
|-
|1
|{{flag|France}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|2
|{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|3
|{{flag|Australia}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|4
|{{flag|New Zealand}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|5
|{{flag|Canada}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|6
|{{flag|Fiji}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|7
|{{flag|Solomon Islands}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|8
|{{flag|Papua New Guinea}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|9
|{{flag|Kiribati}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|10
|{{flag|Nauru}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|11
|{{flag|Tonga}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|12
|{{flag|Samoa}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}
|-
|13
|{{flag|South Korea}}
|{{Dts|5 November 1980}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vanuatu |url=https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/nation/m_4902/view.do?seq=37 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea}}</ref>
|-
|14
|{{flag|Japan}}
|{{Dts|8 January 1981}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Daily Report: Asia & Pacific, 1–10 |publisher=The Service |year=1981 |pages=7}}</ref>
|-
|15
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|{{Dts|22 April 1981}}
|-
|16
|{{flag|Spain}}
|{{Dts|30 April 1981}}
|-
|17
|{{flag|Belgium}}
|{{Dts|10 June 1981}}
|-
|18
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|{{Dts|27 September 1981}}
|-
|19
|{{flag|North Korea}}
|{{Dts|1 October 1981}}
|-
|20
|{{Flag|Cameroon}}
|{{Dts|1 November 1981}}
|-
|21
|{{flag|Vietnam}}
|{{Dts|3 March 1982}}
|-
|22
|{{Flag|Netherlands}}
|{{Dts|9 March 1982}}
|-
|23
|{{Flag|Nigeria}}
|{{Dts|16 March 1982}}
|-
|24
|{{Flag|Italy}}
|{{Dts|23 March 1982}}
|-
|25
|{{flag|China}}
|{{Dts|26 March 1982}}
|-
|26
|{{Flag|India}}
|{{Dts|13 April 1982}}
|-
|27
|{{flag|Switzerland}}
|{{Dts|5 May 1982}}
|-
|28
|{{flag|Thailand}}
|{{Dts|2 November 1982}}
|-
|29
|{{flag|Singapore}}
|{{Dts|10 December 1982}}
|-
|30
|{{flag|Cuba}}
|{{Dts|11 March 1983}}
|-
|31
|{{flag|Malaysia}}
|{{Dts|5 April 1983}}
|-
|32
|{{flag|Bangladesh}}
|{{Dts|10 May 1983}}
|-
|33
|{{flag|Sri Lanka}}
|{{Dts|28 September 1983}}
|-
|34
|{{flag|Portugal}}
|{{Dts|30 September 1983}}
|-
|35
|{{flag|Greece}}
|{{Dts|1 June 1984}}
|-
|36
|{{flag|Peru}}
|{{Dts|30 May 1986}}
|-
|37
|{{flag|Libya}}
|{{Dts|30 May 1986}}
|-
|38
|{{flag|Nicaragua}}
|{{Dts|6 June 1986}}
|-
|39
|{{flag|Russia}}
|{{Dts|30 June 1986}}
|-
|40
|{{flag|Ivory Coast}}
|{{Dts|11 July 1986}}
|-
|41
|{{Flag|Seychelles}}
|{{Dts|15 July 1986}}
|-
|42
|{{flag|Algeria}}
|{{Dts|15 July 1986}}
|-
|43
|{{flag|Angola}}
|{{Dts|16 July 1986}}
|-
|44
|{{Flag|Zimbabwe}}
|{{Dts|15 August 1986}}
|-
|45
|{{Flag|Mozambique}}
|{{Dts|6 September 1986}}
|-
|46
|{{flag|United States}}
|{{Dts|30 September 1986}}
|-
|47
|{{flag|Philippines}}
|{{Dts|8 October 1986}}
|-
|48
|{{flag|Mexico}}
|{{Dts|30 October 1986}}
|-
|49
|{{flag|Poland}}
|{{Dts|15 November 1986}}
|-
|50
|{{flag|Tanzania}}
|{{Dts|18 December 1986}}
|-
|51
|{{flag|Brazil}}
|{{Dts|22 December 1986}}
|-
|52
|{{flag|Austria}}
|{{Dts|29 December 1986}}
|-
|53
|{{Flag|Togo}}
|{{Dts|21 January 1987}}
|-
|54
|{{flag|Myanmar}}
|{{Dts|28 January 1987}}
|-
|55
|{{flag|Laos}}
|{{Dts|18 February 1987}}
|-
|56
|{{flag|Argentina}}
|{{Dts|13 March 1987}}<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Representación Diplomática de la República Argentina ante la República De Vanuatu, asignándose tal función a la Embajada de la República en la Mancomunidad De Australia |url=http://www.saij.gob.ar/619-nacional-representacion-diplomatica-republica-argentina-ante-republica-vanuatu-asignandose-tal-funcion-embajada-republica-mancomunidad-australia-dn20180000619-2018-07-04/123456789-0abc-916-0000-8102soterced?&o=16&f=Total%7CFecha%7CEstado%20de%20Vigencia/Vigente%2C%20de%20alcance%20general%7CTema%5B5%2C1%5D%7COrganismo%5B5%2C1%5D%7CAutor%5B5%2C1%5D%7CJurisdicci%F3n/Nacional%7CTribunal%5B5%2C1%5D%7CPublicaci%F3n%5B5%2C1%5D%7CColecci%F3n%20tem%E1tica%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTipo%20de%20Documento/Legislaci%F3n/Decreto&t=8946 |access-date=5 January 2021 |website= |language=es}}</ref>
|-
|57
|{{flag|Finland}}
|{{Dts|1 April 1987}}
|-
|58
|{{flag|Jamaica}}
|{{Dts|23 July 1987}}
|-
|59
|{{flag|Maldives}}
|{{Dts|27 January 1988}}
|-
|60
|{{Flag|Bahamas}}
|{{Dts|27 January 1988}}
|-
|61
|{{Flag|Botswana}}
|{{Dts|1 November 1988}}
|-
|62
|{{flag|Tunisia}}
|{{Dts|1 November 1988}}
|-
|—
|{{flag|State of Palestine}}
|{{Dts|17 October 1989}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts: The Far East. Part III |year=1989 |pages=A-17}}</ref>
|-
|63
|{{Flag|Namibia}}
|{{Dts|23 March 1990}}
|-
|64
|{{flag|Federated States of Micronesia}}
|{{Dts|19 April 1990}}
|-
|65
|{{flag|Marshall Islands}}
|{{Dts|1 August 1990}}
|-
|66
|{{flag|Chile}}
|{{Dts|10 September 1990}}
|-
|67
|{{flag|Israel}}
|{{Dts|16 September 1993}}
|-
|—
|{{flag|Holy See}}
|{{Dts|20 July 1994}}
|-
|68
|{{flag|Indonesia}}
|{{Dts|3 July 1995}}
|-
|69
|{{flag|Turkey}}
|{{Dts|14 July 1995}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts: Asia, Pacific |publisher=BBC |year=1995 |pages=6}}</ref>
|-
|70
|{{flag|Cambodia}}
|{{Dts|26 September 1996}}
|-
|71
|{{flag|South Africa}}
|{{Dts|6 July 1999}}
|-
|72
|{{flag|Ukraine}}
|{{Dts|29 September 1999}}
|-
|73
|{{flag|Croatia}}
|{{Dts|18 April 2000}}
|-
|74
|{{Flag|Ireland}}
|{{Dts|7 September 2000}}
|-
|75
|{{flag|Morocco}}
|{{Dts|14 December 2000}}
|-
|76
|{{flag|Mauritius}}
|{{Dts|13 August 2001}}
|-
|77
|{{flag|North Macedonia}}
|{{Dts|16 November 2001}}
|-
|78
|{{flag|Timor-Leste}}
|{{Dts|21 August 2002}}
|-
|79
|{{flag|Qatar}}
|{{Dts|16 September 2002}}
|-
|80
|{{flag|Czech Republic}}
|{{Dts|12 December 2002}}
|-
|81
|{{flag|Iceland}}
|{{Dts|27 September 2004}}
|-
|82
|{{flag|Malta}}
|{{Dts|29 September 2004}}
|-
|83
|{{flag|Nepal}}
|{{Dts|19 September 2006}}
|-
|—
|{{flag|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}}
|{{Dts|31 July 2008}}
|-
|84
|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|{{Dts|23 June 2009}}
|-
|85
|{{flag|Uruguay}}
|{{Dts|6 August 2009}}
|-
|86
|{{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
|{{Dts|24 November 2009}}
|-
|87
|{{flag|Luxembourg}}
|{{Dts|24 September 2010}}
|-
|88
|{{Flag|Hungary}}
|{{Dts|6 June 2011}}
|-
|89
|{{Flag|Egypt}}
|{{Dts|22 September 2011}}
|-
|90
|{{flag|Kuwait}}
|{{Dts|8 November 2012}}
|-
|91
|{{flag|Georgia}}
|{{Dts|12 July 2013}}
|-
|92
|{{flag|Mongolia}}
|{{Dts|23 September 2013}}
|-
|93
|{{flag|Montenegro}}
|{{Dts|25 September 2013}}
|-
|94
|{{flag|Estonia}}
|{{Dts|25 September 2013}}
|-
|95
|{{flag|Armenia}}
|{{Dts|26 September 2013}}
|-
|—
|{{flag|Cook Islands}}
|{{Dts|2013}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration |date=2015 |title=Foreign Affairs |url=http://www.mfai.gov.ck/index.php/foreign-affairs.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018090642/http://www.mfai.gov.ck/index.php/foreign-affairs.html |archive-date=2015-10-18 |access-date=2015-10-08 |publisher=Cook Islands Government}}</ref>
|-
|96
|{{flag|Kazakhstan}}
|{{Dts|19 February 2014}}
|-
|—
|{{flag|Kosovo}}
|{{Dts|19 May 2014}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Visoka |first=Gëzim |title=Acting Like a State: Kosovo and the Everyday Making of Statehood |publisher= |year=2018 |isbn= |location= |pages=}}</ref>
|-
|97
|{{flag|Latvia}}
|{{Dts|7 April 2015}}<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Dates of establishment and renewal of diplomatic relations |url=https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/policy/establishment-and-renewal-of-diplomatic-relations |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=}}</ref>
|-
|98
|{{flag|Slovenia}}
|{{Dts|17 June 2015}}<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Priznanja in diplomatski odnosi |url=http://www.mzz.gov.si/fileadmin/pageuploads/Mednarodno_pravo/Priznanja_in_diplomatski_odnosi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325155432/http://www.mzz.gov.si/fileadmin/pageuploads/Mednarodno_pravo/Priznanja_in_diplomatski_odnosi.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2019 |access-date=26 August 2019 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia |language=sl}}</ref>
|-
|99
|{{flag|Lithuania}}
|{{Dts|28 September 2015}}
|-
|100
|{{Flag|Pakistan}}
|{{Dts|8 August 2016}}
|-
|101
|{{flag|Venezuela}}
|{{Dts|18 September 2016}}
|-
|102
|{{flag|Azerbaijan}}
|{{Dts|22 September 2017}}
|-
|103
|{{flag|Norway}}
|{{Dts|28 May 2018}}
|-
|104
|{{flag|Romania}}
|{{Dts|31 May 2018}}
|-
|105
|{{flag|Tajikistan}}
|{{Dts|16 August 2018}}
|-
|106
|{{flag|Serbia}}
|{{Dts|28 August 2018}}
|-
|107
|{{flag|Monaco}}
|{{Dts|10 September 2018}}
|-
|108
|{{flag|San Marino}}
|{{Dts|25 September 2018}}
|-
|109
|{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
|{{Dts|26 September 2018}}
|-
|110
|{{flag|Ecuador}}
|{{Dts|26 September 2018}}
|-
|111
|{{flag|Costa Rica}}
|{{Dts|28 September 2018}}
|-
|112
|{{flag|Rwanda}}
|{{Dts|3 October 2018}}
|-
|113
|{{flag|Denmark}}
|{{Dts|23 October 2018}}
|-
|114
|{{flag|Bulgaria}}
|{{Dts|24 June 2019}}
|-
|115
|{{flag|Lebanon}}
|{{Dts|25 September 2019}}<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 September 2019 |title=Foreign Minister signed with Foreign Minister of Lebanon, H.E. Gebran Bassil |url=https://twitter.com/eddysonsekenyap/status/1177046576050532352 |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=}}</ref>
|-
|116
|{{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
|{{Dts|26 September 2019}}
|-
|117
|{{flag|Burundi}}
|{{Dts|6 December 2019}}<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Today with my colleague Ambassador Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations, we have signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the Republic of Burundi & the Republic of Vanuatu |url=https://twitter.com/AShingiro/status/1202994723369213957 |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=}}</ref>
|-
|118
|{{flag|Dominica}}
|{{Dts|20 September 2021}}
|-
|119
|{{flag|Tuvalu}}
|{{Date table sorting|12 July 2022}}<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Pacific |url=https://dfa.gov.tv/index.php/pacific/ |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809163336/https://dfa.gov.tv/index.php/pacific/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|120
|{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|{{Dts|8 August 2022}}
|-
|121
|{{Flag|Dominican Republic}}
|{{Dts|14 November 2023}}
|-
|122
|{{Flag|Oman}}
|{{Date table sorting|17 November 2023}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2023 |title=Another milestone for the Vanuatu foreign policy outreach. Vanuatu has successfully forged diplomatic relations with Oman. |url=https://twitter.com/VMofaicet/status/1725798554487370125 |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|123
|{{Flag|Panama}}
|{{Dts|21 November 2023}}
|-
|124
|{{Flag|Andorra}}
|{{Dts|30 November 2023}}
|-
|125
|{{Flag|Bahrain}}
|{{Dts|9 February 2024}}
|-
|126
|{{Flag|Guatemala}}
|{{dts|4 October 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2024 |title=The Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Guatemala and the Republic of Vanuatu signed a Joint Communique establishing diplomatic relations. |url=https://x.com/GuatemalaONU/status/1842236253871227156 |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
|127
|{{Flag|Benin}}
|{{Dts|5 June 2025}}
|-
|128
|{{Flag|Slovakia}}
|{{Dts|25 September 2025}}
|-
|129
|{{Flag|Cyprus}}
|Unknown (before November 2005)<ref>{{Cite web |title=HIGH COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS IN AUSTRALIA |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa.nsf/EmbassiesDisplay?OpenForm&EmbID=C789FF2240B9F058C2256B72005054AB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051110102611/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa.nsf/EmbassiesDisplay?OpenForm&EmbID=C789FF2240B9F058C2256B72005054AB |archive-date=10 November 2005 |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|}

== Bilateral relations ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
! style="width:100px"| Country
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Abkhazia}}||
{{main|Abkhazia–Vanuatu relations}}

On 23 May 2011, Vanuatu became the fifth [[Member states of the United Nations|UN member state]] (after [[Russia]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Nauru]]) to recognise [[Abkhazia]]. On this day joint statement on establishment of diplomatic relations was signed.<ref>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Верительное факсимиле |language=ru |url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1655437 |access-date=7 June 2011 |newspaper=[[Kommersant]] |date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608150154/http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1655437 |archive-date=8 June 2011}}</ref> At the same time of signing a visa-free travel regime between the two countries was established.<ref name="mfaabkhazpacific">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/pacific|title=Abkhazia & Pacific|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Abkhazia)]]|access-date=1 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416224743/http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/pacific|archive-date=16 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/node/966 |title=Visa-free regime is launched between the Republic of Vanuatu and the Republic of Abkhazia. |date=31 May 2011 |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Abkhazia)]] |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609050525/http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/node/966 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Foreign Affairs Minister [[Alfred Carlot]] said that "Vanuatu's foreign policy aims at eradicating colonialism from the face of the earth." In a press release, Carlot stated: "Vanuatu is neutral; our recognition of Abkhazia does not in any way mean that we cannot have diplomatic relations with the Republic of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/world/asia/10vanuatu.html?_r=1 "Yes, No, Yes. Vanuatu Clarifies Position on Abkhazia"], ''New York Times'', 9 June 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=65 "Vanuatu’s recognition to the Republic of Abkhazia"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624160025/http://www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=65 |date=24 June 2011 }}, Government of Vanuatu press release, 17 June 2011</ref>

The following month, however, the Vanuatuan government of Prime Minister [[Sato Kilman]] was voided by the [[Supreme Court of Vanuatu]], on the grounds that Kilman's election in December 2010 had not conformed to constitutional requirements. Former Prime Minister [[Edward Natapei]] became interim prime minister until a new leader could be elected. Natapei promptly withdrew Vanuatu's recognition of Abkhazia, arguing that it had been granted by an illegitimate government, and announced that he would seek to establish diplomatic relations with Georgia, recognising its sovereignty over Abkhazia.<ref>[http://www.dailypost.vu/content/natapei-withdraws-recognition-abkhazia "Natapei withdraws recognition of Abkhazia"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121080902/http://www.dailypost.vu/content/natapei-withdraws-recognition-abkhazia|date=21 January 2012}}, ''[[Vanuatu daily Post]]'', 20 June 2011</ref>

On 26 June 2011, [[Sato Kilman]] was re-elected Prime Minister<ref name="RNZI_61422">{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=61422 |title=Kilman elected Vanuatu PM - ten days after ouster by court |date=27 June 2011 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref> and on 12 July 2011 Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Alfred Carlot re-confirmed Vanuatu's recognition of Abkhazia.<ref>[http://www.dailypost.vu/content/todays-dailypost-frontpage-thursday-14-july-2011 "Vanuatu Recognises Abkhazia"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326130056/http://www.dailypost.vu/content/todays-dailypost-frontpage-thursday-14-july-2011 |date=26 March 2012 }}</ref> On 12 July 2011 the Ambassador of Abkhazia in the Asia-Pacific region [[Juris Gulbis]] stated, that Abkhazia and Vanuatu plans to sign a framework agreement on cooperation in the field of culture, trade and banking sector. According to him, the Government of Vanuatu twice confirmed the establishment of diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and of their intention to contribute to the development of friendly ties between the two States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apsnypress.info/news/3659.html|title=Новости \ Абхазия и Вануату в ближайшее время планируют подписать соглашения о сотрудничестве в области культуры, торговли и банковской сфере|publisher=Apsnypress.info|access-date=2013-09-09|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405163918/http://apsnypress.info/news/3659.html|archive-date=5 April 2012}}</ref> In 2013, Vanuatu established diplomatic relations with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and recognized Abkhazia as a part of that country.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Armenia}}
|
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 September 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mfa.am/en/country-by-country/vu/ |title=Vanuatu - Bilateral Relations - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia |access-date=26 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053017/http://www.mfa.am/en/country-by-country/vu/ |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Prime Minister of Vanuatu|Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu]] [[Charlot Salwai]], who visited [[Armenia]] on his official visit for the [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|XVII Francophone Summit]], gave a visit to the [[Tsitsernakaberd|Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex]] with the accompaniment of Aramayis Grigoryan, the Deputy Minister of Diaspora of the RA.

The [[ni-Vanuatu]] visitors were welcomed by Harutyun Marutyan, the director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, who, in his turn, gave a brief introduction to the notable people who previously have visited the complex and the history, as well as the symbolism, of the complex.

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu laid a wreath at the Memorial and put flowers at the "eternal fire" which is lit to honour the memory of the innocent victims of the [[Armenian genocide]], with the accompaniment of the delegation. Furthermore, the delegation made a tour around the Memory Wall, got familiar with its meaning and significance.

The delegation also visited the Armenian Genocide Museum alongside the Complex and, at the end of their tour, Prime Minister Salwai left a note in the Memory Book of the museum: "In commemoration of the disappeared people of the Armenian Genocide... I express my deep sorrow to the children of the Armenian nation. Let God bless Armenia".

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute director Harutyun Marutyan awarded the Prime Minister of Vanuatu the [[Aurora Mardiganian|Aurora Mardiganyan]] medal, and the book "[[Armenian Genocide: Front page Coverage in the World Press]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mindiaspora.am/en/News/5970|title=RA Ministry of Diaspora - News - Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu honored the memory of the innocent martyrs of the Armenian Genocide with Deputy Minister of Diaspora of the RA|website=www.mindiaspora.am|access-date=2019-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020156/http://www.mindiaspora.am/en/News/5970|archive-date=7 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Australia}}||
Australia and Vanuatu have very strong ties. Australia has provided the bulk of Vanuatu's military assistance, training its [[paramilitary]] mobile force and also providing patrol boats to patrol Vanuatu's waters. In 1983, Vanuatu and Australia entered into a Defence Cooperation Program together. As part of this program, two [[Royal Australian Navy]] advisers are stationed in Vanuatu Australia to assist Vanuatu in maintaining and operating the [[RVS Tukoro]], the [[Pacific class patrol boat]] donated to Vanuatu by Australia in 1987. The [[RVS Tukoro]] is Vanuatu's primarily maritime police vessel. Australia also provides assistance to the Mobile Force element of the [[Vanuatu Police Force]] (VPF), as well as providing support to exercises and infrastructure projects.<ref name="dfat.gov.au">{{cite web |url=http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/vanuatu/vanuatu_brief.html |title=Vanuatu country brief - Vanuatu - Countries and regions - Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |publisher=Dfat.gov.au |access-date=2013-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525023927/http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/vanuatu/vanuatu_brief.html |archive-date=25 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Australia is Vanuatu's largest source of foreign direct investment, mostly directed in the areas of tourist development, agriculture and construction. Australia is Vanuatu's largest source of tourists, with Australians making up 2/3 of all long-term tourist visitors and virtually all cruise ship visits. Since 2008, Vanuatu (along with Tonga, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea) has sent seasonal workers to Australia through the Australian government-funded Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme (PSWPS).<ref name="dfat.gov.au"/>

Additionally, Australia is Vanuatu's main source of foreign aid, with the Australian providing A$66 million(US$70.4 million) in 2010–11.<ref name="dfat.gov.au"/> In 2004, Australia threatened to cut its aid to Vanuatu when then-Prime Minister [[Serge Vohor]] reappointed officials who had been dismissed after being charged with criminal activity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200411/s1251814.htm |title= Australia threatens to cut aid to Vanuatu. 26/11/2004. ABC News Online|website=www.abc.net.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230142159/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200411/s1251814.htm |archive-date=30 December 2004}}</ref> Vanuatu agreed to Australian demands for more transparent government and anti-corruption steps. The result was that from 2005 to 2010, Australian aid was governed through the Australia–Vanuatu Joint Development Cooperation Strategy.

This was superseded with the signing in May 2009 of the Australia-Vanuatu Partnership for Development. The central focus of the Partnership is for Australia to assist Vanuatu in achieving its UN [[Millennium Development Goals]] (MDG's). The priorities stated in the Partnership are to
•support increased access and quality of education for boys and girls and equip them with relevant skills and knowledge 
•strengthen health services and accelerate progress towards health MDGs 
•develop essential infrastructure to support economic growth and service delivery 
•progress reform on economic governance 
•address equality of opportunity for all men and women and include the needs and priorities of people with disability in development activities<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/partnership/vanuatu.cfm |title= Pacific Partnership - Vanuatu|website=www.ausaid.gov.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330013055/http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/partnership/vanuatu.cfm |archive-date=30 March 2012}}</ref> ([https://web.archive.org/web/20110602010019/http://www.ausaid.gov.au/hottopics/pdf/Australia_Vanuatu_Partnership_for_Development.pdf full text of Partnership agreement])
|- valign="top" 
|{{flag|China}}
|See [[China–Vanuatu relations]]

China established an embassy in Vanuatu in 1989, while Vanuatu established an honorary consulate in China in 1999; it officially became an embassy in 2005.<ref>[http://vu.chineseembassy.org/eng/zwgx/t467290.htm "China-Vanuatu Relations"], PRC embassy in Vanuatu, 20 June 2008</ref>

Vanuatu briefly recognized the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan) in late 2004 when on 3 November Prime Minister [[Serge Vohor]] signed a communiqué in [[Taipei]] with ROC Foreign Minister [[Mark Chen]]. Taipei had offered $30 million in aid in return (compared with the $10 million given by the PRC). Under the [[One-China policy]], this would result in the severing of ties with the People's Republic of China. Vohor did so without consultations with his cabinet and the PRC Foreign Ministry, quoting the Vanuatu Foreign Minister, denied ties with the ROC had been established.

The Vanuatu Council of Ministers, in the Prime Minister's absence, announced on 11 November that the communiqué had been withdrawn. A spokesman for the Prime Minister denied this a day later. There were reports that previous attempts by Vohor to travel to Taipei were thwarted amid pressure from Beijing so his latest visit was done secretly on purpose. For a period of few weeks, both the PRC and ROC had diplomatic missions posted in Vanuatu while the Vanuatu government was in internal disagreement.

At one point Prime Minister Serge Vohor punched the PRC ambassador when approached to explain why the [[flag of the Republic of China]] was flying over the hotel where the Taiwanese representative was posted. The standoff ended on 11 December 2004 when the parliament passed a motion of no-confidence against Vohor and replaced him with [[Ham Lini]].

In May 2009, Vanuatu appointed its first ever ambassador to China, former Minister of Finance [[Willie Jimmy]].<ref name="Minister confirms appointment">[http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4668 "Minister confirms appointment"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623114911/http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4668 |date=23 June 2013}}, ''[[Vanuatu Daily Post]]'', 22 May 2009</ref> Jimmy "call[ed] [...] for China to have a foot firmly planted in the Pacific through [[Port Vila]]", which -the ''[[Vanuatu Daily Post]]'' remarked- "no doubt caused ruffled feathers among other foreign diplomatic partners".<ref name="dailypost.vu">[http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4834 "Chinese Club donate Vt1.4m supplies to landslide victims"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623135002/http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4834 |date=23 June 2013}}, ''Vanuatu Daily Post'', 23 June 2009</ref>

On the Chinese parade due to the 70th Anniversary of the end of [[World War II]], policemen from Vanuatu participated.<ref>[https://time.com/4018182/vanuatu-china-military-parade-world-war-ii/ "Tiny Pacific Nation of Vanuatu to Join Motley Crew at China’s WWII Anniversary Parade"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', 31 August 2015</ref>

On 27 February 2017, the Chinese ambassador to Vanuatu, handed over the keys for 14 military vehicles to the [[Military of Vanuatu|Vanuatu Mobile Force]]. This was done as an effort to safeguard Vanuatu's sovereignty.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roberts|first1=Anita|title=Military equipment for VMF from China|url=http://dailypost.vu/news/military-equipment-for-vmf-from-china/article_c288da92-85de-57fe-8353-319b912885b3.html|work=Vanuatu Daily Post|access-date=7 July 2017|date=27 February 2017}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Cuba}}
|See [[Cuba–Vanuatu relations]]
Vanuatu and Cuba established official diplomatic relations in 1983.<ref>HUFFER, Elise, ''Grands hommes et petites îles: La politique extérieure de Fidji, de Tonga et du Vanuatu'', Paris: Orstom, 1993, {{ISBN|2-7099-1125-6}}, p. 275</ref>

In the late 2000s, Vanuatu began to strengthen its relations with [[Cuba]]. Cuba provides medical aid to Vanuatu, sending doctors to the country<ref>[http://www.plenglish.com:80/article.asp?ID=%7B771AA7E5-B9F3-4129-AFF7-208C0DC1D65D%7D)&language=EN "Cuban Physicians to Aid 81 Nations"]{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, [[Prensa Latina]], 29 March 2008</ref> and providing scholarships for ni-Vanuatu medical students to study in Cuba.<ref name="RNZI_41373">{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41373 |title=Vanuatu to get six doctors from Cuba |date=10 August 2008 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> In September 2008, a representative of the ni-Vanuatu government attended the [[Cuban-Pacific relations#September 2008 ministerial meeting|first Cuba-Pacific Islands ministerial meeting]] in [[Havana]]. The meeting aimed at "strengthening cooperation" between Cuba and [[Pacific Island]] countries, notably in coping with the effects of climate change.<ref>[https://archive.today/20090614213049/http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2008/0916amistadislaspacifico.htm "Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting"], Cuban News Agency, 16 September 2008</ref><ref name="RNZI_42045">{{cite web |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42045 |title=Pacific and Cuba meet to discuss co-operation |date=17 September 2008 |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]] |access-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522042921/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42045 |archive-date=22 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Cyprus}}
|
*Cyprus is represented in Vanuatu by its High Commission in [[Canberra]], [[Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa32_en/mfa32_en?OpenDocument |title=MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Bilateral Relations |website=www.mfa.gov.cy |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924010912/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa32_en/mfa32_en?OpenDocument |archive-date=24 September 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Both countries are full members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|France}}
|See [[France–Vanuatu relations]]
* [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/pays-zones-geo_833/vanuatu_580/france-vanuatu_3395/index.html Current relations between France and Vanuatu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309153010/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/pays-zones-geo_833/vanuatu_580/france-vanuatu_3395/index.html |date=9 March 2012 }}, as seen by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Georgia}}
|
* [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and Vanuatu established diplomatic relations on 12 July 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Georgia Establishes Relations With Vanuatu|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-vanuatu-diplomatic-relations/25045811.html|website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=8 October 2020|date=14 July 2013}}</ref> In 2019, [[Ralph Regenvanu]] visited Georgia and signed a cooperation agreement with representatives of the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vanuatu signs cooperation agreement with Georgia|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384797/vanuatu-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-georgia|website=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=8 October 2020|date=15 March 2019}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|India}}
|See [[India–Vanuatu relations]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170102080612/https://www.mea.gov.in/foreign-relations.htm#V Current relations between India and Vanuatu], Indian Ministry of External Affairs
* Indian High Commission for Vanuatu accreditation is at [[Suva]], [[Fiji]].<ref>{{cite web|title=India-Vanuatu Brief|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Vanuatu_2015_07_07.pdf|website=Ministry of External Affairs|access-date=9 January 2017|date=June 2015}}</ref>
* As per the [[Indo-Vanuatu Pact]], Indians do not require a visa to visit Vanuatu
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Israel}}||
Vanuatu and Israel established relations in 1993 and relations are conducted through Israel's [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] in Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/israel-s-diplomatic-missions-abroad| title=Israel International Relations: Diplomatic Missions Abroad|website=Jewish Virtual Library|date=May 2016|access-date=8 December 2017}}</ref> Vanuatu recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelhayom.com/2017/07/10/island-nation-vanuatu-recognizes-jerusalem-as-israels-capital/ | website=Israel Hayom | date=1 June 2017| access-date=8 December 2017|title=Island nation Vanuatu recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital}}</ref> In 2021, French diplomat [[Bernard Leclerc]] was appointed the [[Special Envoy]] to the State of Israel for the Republic of Vanuatu.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Italy}}
|
Italy has an honorary consulate in [[Port Vila]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210729153736/https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/ministero/laretediplomatica/rete-diplomatica-mappa.html?p=VANUATU&c=&cm=&ricerca=View+the+results They established relationship on the 23 march 1982]</ref> 
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Libya}}
|See [[Libya–Vanuatu relations]]
* Vanuatu's foreign policy in the 1980s, under Prime Minister Father [[Walter Lini]], was based on refusing alignment with either bloc in the context of the [[Cold War]], distinguishing it from every other country of [[Oceania]], aligned with the West.<ref name="HUFFER, Elise 1993, pp. 272–282"/>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Mexico}}||

* Mexico is accredited to Vanuatu from its embassy in Canberra, Australia.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/| title = Embassy of Mexico in Australia}}</ref>
* Vanuatu does not have an accreditation to Mexico.

|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Netherlands}}
|
Vanuatu has an honorary consulate in [[The Hague]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaken |first=Ministerie van Algemene |date=2018-02-21 |title=Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Vanuatu ('s-Gravenhage) - Embassies, consulates and other representations - Government.nl |url=https://www.government.nl/topics/embassies-consulates-and-other-representations/overview-countries-and-regions/vanuatu/honorary-consulate-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu-s-gravenhage |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=www.government.nl |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|New Zealand}}||

* New Zealand has a High Commission in Port Vila.
* Vanuatu has a High Commission in [[Wellington]] and a consulate-general in [[Auckland]]. 
Following the [[2024 Port Vila earthquake]] in mid-December 2024, New Zealand dispatched [[New Zealand Defence Force]], [[Urban Search and Rescue]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand)|MFAT]] personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with post-disaster rescue and relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu earthquake: New Zealand sends rescue teams, aid after deadly 7.3 magnitude quake |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/vanuatu-earthquake-new-zealand-sends-rescue-teams-aid-after-deadly-73-magnitude-quake/2YT4PYNRQ5HRXLZN4NMFNNQGZY/ |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218103115/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/vanuatu-earthquake-new-zealand-sends-rescue-teams-aid-after-deadly-73-magnitude-quake/2YT4PYNRQ5HRXLZN4NMFNNQGZY/ |archive-date=18 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Vanuatu earthquake: NZ rescue crews head to quake-hit nation as search for survivors continues |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537071/vanuatu-earthquake-nz-rescue-crews-head-to-quake-hit-nation-as-search-for-survivors-continues |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218152248/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537071/vanuatu-earthquake-nz-rescue-crews-head-to-quake-hit-nation-as-search-for-survivors-continues |archive-date=18 December 2024}}</ref>
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|{{flag|Palestine}}||
Vanuatu recognized the [[State of Palestine]] on 21 August 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vanuatu%27s_Recognation_of_Palestine.jpg |title=File:Vanuatu's Recognation of Palestine.jpg - Wikimedia Commons |publisher=Commons.wikimedia.org |access-date=2013-09-09}}</ref> On 19 October 1989 both States established diplomatic relations. Non-resident embassy of Palestine based in Canberra, Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.palestine-australia.com/content.php/category/id/11/title/welcome-from-the-head-of-the-general-delegation |title=The General Delegation of Palestine to Australia and New Zealand :: Greetings from His Excellency Izzat Salah Abdulhadi |publisher=Palestine-australia.com |date=2012-05-25 |access-date=2013-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119122832/http://palestine-australia.com/content.php/category/id/11/title/welcome-from-the-head-of-the-general-delegation |archive-date=19 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2011, Vanuatu was one of fifteen countries to oppose [[Palestine]]'s application to join [[UNESCO]], as part of its bid for greater international recognition. Vanuatu former Foreign Affairs Minister and former chairman of the Vanuatu National Commission for UNESCO [[Joe Natuman]] expressed surprise at his country's position, saying it appeared to contradict Vanuatu's long-standing support for Palestine. He raised the issue in [[Parliament of Vanuatu|Parliament]], whereupon Prime Minister [[Sato Kilman]] assured him he had not been aware that the country was voting against Palestine's membership of UNESCO, and that he would "review this decision". On that occasion, Kilman reportedly clarified Vanuatu's position with regard to Palestine, saying "Vanuatu will always maintain its position to support the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland but at the same time with [[Israel]] existing as a state on its own, with secure borders".<ref>[http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=65055 "Former Vanuatu Foreign Minister questions government’s UN stand against Palestinians"], Radio New Zealand International, 14 December 2011</ref>
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|{{flag|Russia }}
|See [[Russia–Vanuatu relations]]
* In 1987, Vanuatu authorised Soviet vessels to fish within Vanuatu's Exclusive Economic Zone, in exchange for economic aid. The agreement lapsed the following year, and was not renewed, due to disagreements over the price to be paid for fishing rights by the USSR.<ref name="HUFFER, Elise 1993, pp. 272–282"/> In 2021, French diplomat [[Bernard Leclerc]] was appointed the [[Special Envoy]] to the Russian Federation for the Republic of Vanuatu.
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|{{flag|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}}||
Vanuatu recognized the [[Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic|SADR]] on 27 November 1980, as part of its support to the right of self-determination of the peoples. On 24 November 2000, then Foreign affairs minister Serge Vohor announced that Vanuatu suspended that recognition and established ambassadorial level relations with [[Morocco]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/001214/2000121419.html | title = Vanuatu to open diplomatic representation in Morocco | publisher = Arabic news | date = 2000-12-14 | access-date = 2010-06-19 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120527162033/http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/001214/2000121419.html | archive-date = 27 May 2012}}</ref>  Vanuatu's government made on 1 July 2008 a statement resuming its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and established ambassadorial level relations also with SADR.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vanuatu and the Saharawi Republic establish diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level | url = http://www.spsrasd.info/en/detail.php?id=2226 | publisher = SPS | date = 1 August 2008 | access-date = 2010-06-19 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100411043241/http://www.spsrasd.info/en/detail.php?id=2226 | archive-date = 11 April 2010}}</ref> The non-resident embassy of SADR to Vanuatu is based in Dili, [[East Timor]]. 
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|{{flag|South Korea}}
|See [https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/nation/m_4902/view.do?seq=37 South Korea–Vanuatu relations]

The Republic of Vanuatu and the Republic of Korea have established diplomatic relations on November 5, 1980. 
* The two countries have good diplomatic relations.
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|{{flag|Spain}}||
* Spain is accredited to Vanuatu from its embassy in Canberra, Australia.
* Vanuatu is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.
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|{{flag|Ukraine }}
|
Ukraine is represented in Vanuatu by its embassy in [[Canberra]], [[Australia]].<ref>They established relations on the 29 september 1999. [https://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-mfa/abroad/embassies/8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806115530/https://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-mfa/abroad/embassies/8|date=6 August 2019}}</ref>
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|{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|Vanuatu established [[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom]] on 30 July 1980.
*Vanuatu does not maintain a High Commission in the United Kingdom.
*The UK is accredited to Vanuatu through its [[British High Commission|High Commission]] in [[Port Vila]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-vanuatu|title=British High Commission Port Vila|website=[[gov.uk|GOV.UK]]|access-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820110022/https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-vanuatu|archive-date=20 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

The UK governed [[New Hebrides|Vanuatu]] jointly with France from 1906 until 1980, when Vanuatu achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]],  and the [[World Trade Organization]]. Bilaterally the two countries have signed an Investment Agreement.<ref>{{cite web|title=United Kingdom - Vanuatu BIT (2003)|url=https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/3064/united-kingdom---vanuatu-bit-2003-|website=[[UN Trade and Development]]|access-date=23 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811052711/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/3064/united-kingdom---vanuatu-bit-2003-|archive-date=11 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{flag|United States }}
|See [[United States–Vanuatu relations]] 
* The [[United States]] and Vanuatu established diplomatic relations on 30 September 1986 - three months to the day after Vanuatu had established diplomatic relations with the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>HUFFER, Elise, ''Grands hommes et petites îles: La politique extérieure de Fidji, de Tonga et du Vanuatu'', Paris: Orstom, 1993, {{ISBN|2-7099-1125-6}}, p. 278</ref>
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|{{flag|Vietnam }}
|
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=- Home Page |url=https://www.mofa.gov.vn/vi/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=www.mofa.gov.vn |language=vi}}</ref> There is a small Vietnamese community in Vanuatu, stemming from the colonial period when Vietnamese indentured workers were bought in by the French.<ref name="Calnitsky">{{cite web |last1=Calnitsky |first1=Naomi Alisa |title=The Tonkinese Labour Traffic to the Colonial New Hebrides: The Role of French Inter-Colonial Webs|url=https://www.academia.edu/20370598 |website=Academia.edu |publisher=Indian Ocean World Centre, McGill University |access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
|}

==See also==

* [[List of diplomatic missions in Vanuatu]]
* [[List of diplomatic missions of Vanuatu]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of the Commonwealth of Nations}}
{{Foreign relations of Vanuatu}}
{{Foreign relations of Oceania}}
{{Vanuatu topics}}

[[Category:Foreign relations of Vanuatu| ]]
[[Category:Vanuatu and the Commonwealth of Nations]]