Foreign relations of the United Kingdom

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The diplomatic foreign relations of the United Kingdom are conducted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, headed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The Prime Minister and numerous other agencies play a role in setting policy, and many institutions and businesses have a voice and a role.

Britain was the world's foremost power during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, most notably during the so-called "Pax Britannica"—a period of totally unrivaled supremacy and unprecedented international peace during the mid-to-late 1800s. The country continued to be widely considered a 'superpower' until the Suez crisis of 1956, and this embarrassing incident coupled with the loss of the empire left the UK's dominant role in global affairs to be gradually diminished. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom remains a great power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a founding member of the G7, G8, G20, NATO, OECD, WTO, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the Commonwealth of Nations, which is a legacy of the British Empire. The UK has been a member state of the European Union (and a member of its predecessors) since 1973, however due to the outcome of a 2016 membership referendum proceedings to withdraw from the EU began in 2017. Since the vote, policymakers have begun pursuing new trade agreements with other global partners.

History

British foreign relations were largely inherited from the Kingdom of England's place in the world prior to the unification of Great Britain into a single United Kingdom. British foreign policy initially focused on achieving a balance of power within Europe, with no one country achieving dominance over the affairs of the continent. This was a major reason behind the British wars against Napoleon, and the UK's involvement in the First and Second World Wars. The chief enemy of the British, from the Hundred Years' War until the defeat of Napoleon (1337-1815) was France, a larger country with a more powerful army. The British were generally successful in their many wars, with the notable exception of the American War of Independence (1775–1783), when Britain, without any major allies, was defeated by the colonials who had the support of France, the Netherlands and Spain. A favoured diplomatic strategy was subsidising the armies of continental allies, such as Prussia, thereby turning London's enormous financial power to military advantage. Britain relied heavily on its Royal Navy for security, seeking to keep it the most powerful fleet afloat with a full complement of bases across the globe. British dominance of the seas was vital to the formation of the British Empire, which was achieved through the maintenance of a Navy larger than the next two largest Navies combined for the majority of the 19th and early 20th centuries, prior to the entry of the United States into the Second World War.

1814-1914

First World War

1920s

Britain was a "troubled giant" that was less of a dominant diplomatic force in the 1920s than before. It often had to give way to the United States, which frequently exercised its financial superiority.^[1] The main themes of British foreign policy include a role at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, where Lloyd George worked hard to moderate French demands for revenge.^[2] He was partly successful, but Britain soon had to moderate French policy toward Germany, as in the Locarno Treaties.^[3][4] Britain was an active member of the new League of Nations, but its list of major achievements was slight.^[5][6]

Disarmament was high on the agenda, and Britain played a major role following the United States in the Washington Naval Conference of 1921 in working toward naval disarmament of the major powers. By 1933 disarmament had collapsed and the issue became rearming for a war against Germany.^[7] Britain was much less successful in negotiating with United States regarding the large loans. Britain was obliged to repay. Britain supported the American solution through the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan, whereby Germany paid its reparations using money borrowed from New York banks.^[8] The Great Depression starting in 1929 put enormous pressure on the British economy. Britain move toward imperial preference, which meant low tariffs among the Commonwealth of Nations, and higher barriers toward trade with outside countries. The flow of money from New York dried up, and the system of reparations and payment of debt died in 1931.

In domestic British politics, the emerging Labour Party had a distinctive and suspicious foreign policy based on pacifism. Its leaders believed that peace was impossible because of capitalism, secret diplomacy, and the trade in armaments. That is it stressed material factors that ignored the psychological memories of the Great War, and the highly emotional tensions regarding nationalism and the boundaries of the countries. Nevertheless, party leader Ramsay MacDonald spent much of his attention on European policies.^[9]

1930s

Vivid memories of the horrors and deaths of the World War inclined many Britons—and their leaders in all parties—to pacifism in the interwar era. This led directly to the appeasement of dictators in order to avoid their threats of war.^[10]

The challenge came from dictators, first Benito Mussolini of Italy, then Adolf Hitler of a much more powerful Nazi Germany. The League of Nations proved disappointing to its supporters; it was unable to resolve any of the threats posed by the dictators. British policy was to "appease" them in the hopes they would be satiated. By 1938 it was clear that war was looming, and that Germany had the world's most powerful military. The final act of appeasement came when Britain and France sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler's demands at the Munich Agreement of 1938.^[11] Instead of satiation Hitler menaced Poland, and at last Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain dropped appeasement and stood firm in promising to defend Poland. Hitler however cut a deal with Joseph Stalin to divide Eastern Europe; when Germany did invade Poland in September 1939, Britain and France declared war; the British Commonwealth followed London's lead.^[12]

Second World War

Since 1945

Economically in dire straits in 1945, Britain systematically reduced its overseas commitments/ It added new commitments as an active particiant in the Cold War against Communism, especially as a founding member of NATO.^[13]

The British had built up a very large worldwide British Empire, which peaked in size in 1922, after more than half a century of unchallenged global supremacy. The cumulative costs of fighting two world wars, however, placed a heavy burden upon the UK economy, and after 1945 the British Empire gradually began to disintegrate, with many territories granted independence. By the mid-to-late 1950s, the UK's status as a superpower had been largely diminished by the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union. Many former colonial territories joined the "Commonwealth of Nations," an organisation of fully independent nations now with equal status to the UK.^[14] Britain finally turned its attention to the continent, joining the European Union.^[15]

Practically all the colonies became independent. Britain reduced its involvements in the Middle east, with the humiliating Suez Crisis of 1956 marking the end of its status as a superpower. However Britain did forge close military ties with the United States, France, and traditional foes such as Germany, in the NATO military alliance. After years of debate (and rebuffs), Britain joined the Common Market in 1973; it is now the European Union.^[16] However it did not merge financially, and kept the pound separate from the Euro, which kept it partly isolated from the EU financial crisis of 2011.^[17] As of 23 June 2016, the UK has voted to leave the EU.^[18][19]

The UK is currently establishing air and naval facilities in the Persian Gulf, located in the UAE and Bahrain.^[20][21][22] A presence in Oman is also being considered.^[23]

21st century

Foreign policy initiatives of UK governments since the 1990s have included military intervention in conflicts and for peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance programmes and increased aid spending, support for establishment of the International criminal court, debt relief for developing countries, prioritisation of initiatives to address climate change, and promotion of free trade.^[24] The British approach has been described as "spread the right norms and sustain NATO".^[25]

Lunn et al. (2008) argue:^[26]

Three key motifs of Tony Blair’s 10-year premiership were an activist philosophy of 'interventionism', maintaining a strong alliance with the US and a commitment to placing Britain at the heart of Europe. While the 'special relationship' and the question of Britain’s role in Europe have been central to British foreign policy since the Second World War...interventionism was a genuinely new element.

In 2013, the government of David Cameron described its approach to foreign policy by saying:^[27]

For any given foreign policy issue, the UK potentially has a range of options for delivering impact in our national interest. ... [W]e have a complex network of alliances and partnerships through which we can work.... These include – besides the EU – the UN and groupings within it, such as the five permanent members of the Security Council (the “P5”); NATO; the Commonwealth; the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; the G8 and G20 groups of leading industrialised nations; and so on.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 highlighted a range of foreign policy initiatives of the UK government.^[28][29] Edward Longinotti notes how current British defence policy is grappling with how to accommodate two major commitments, to Europe and to an ‘east of Suez’ global military strategy, within a modest defence budget that can only fund one. He points out that Britain’s December 2014 agreement to open a permanent naval base in Bahrain underlines its gradual re-commitment east of Suez.^[30]

A momentous change is underway in 2016 after the British electorate voted for "Brexit"—to leave the European Union.

Major international disputes since 1945

• 1946-49 – involved in Greek Civil War
• 1945-48 – Mandate for occupation of Palestine until the creation of Israel and an independent Palestine by the UN could be formalised in 1948. British forces often faced conflict with Arab nationalists and Jewish Zionist militia, including those who in 1946 blew up the King David Hotel, which was British administrative and military HQ, killing 91 people.
• 1947-1991 – Cold War with Soviet Union
• 1948-1949 – Berlin Blockade - dispute with USSR over access to West Berlin and general Soviet expansionism in Eastern Europe ^[31]
• 1948-1960 – Malayan Emergency - armed conflict against the politically isolated Communist forces of the Malayan National Liberation Army
• 1950-1953 – Korean War - war with North Korea
• 1951-1954 – Abadan Crisis - dispute with Iran over expropriated oil assets
• 1956-1957 – Suez Crisis - armed conflict with Egypt over its seizure of the Suez Canal Zone, and dispute with most of international community
• 1958 – First Cod War - fishing dispute with Iceland
• 1962-1966 – Konfrontasi - war with Indonesia
• 1972-1973 – Second Cod War - fishing dispute with Iceland
• 1975-1976 – Third Cod War - fishing dispute with Iceland^[32]
• 1982 – Falklands War - war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands and other British South Atlantic territory.
• 1983 – Condemnation of the United States over its invasion of Grenada.^[33]
• 1984 – dispute with Libya after a policewoman is shot dead in London by a gunman from within the Libyan embassy and considerable Libyan support for terrorists in Northern Ireland-the IRA.
• 1988 – further dispute with Libya over the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight over the Scottish town of Lockerbie^[34]
• 1991 – Gulf War with Iraq^[35]
• 1995 – under UN mandate, military involvement in Yugoslavia (specifically Bosnia)
• 1997 – Hong Kong handover to Chinese rule. Britain secures guarantees for a "special status" that would continue capitalism and protect existing British property.^[36]
• 1999 – involvement in NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia over Kosovo
• 2000 – British action in saving the UN peacekeeping force from collapse and defeating the anti-government rebellion during the Sierra Leone Civil War
• 2001 – UN-sponsored war against, and subsequent occupation of, Afghanistan
• 2003 – Collaborate with US and others in war and occupation of, Iraq Over 46,000 British troops subsequently occupy Basra and Southern Iraq
• 2007 – (ongoing) diplomatic dispute with Russia over the death of Alexander Litvinenko^[37] Additional matters have strained British-Russian relations; continued espionage, Russian human rights violations and support of regimes hostile to the west (Syria, Iran)
• 2009 – (ongoing) Dispute with Iran over its alleged nuclear weapons programme, including sanctions and Iranian condemnation of the British government culminating in a 2011 attack on the British Embassy in Iran.
• 2011 – under UN mandate, UK Armed Forces participated in enforcing the Libyan No-Fly Zone as part of Operation Ellamy
• 2013 – support to French forces in the Malian civil war, including training and equipment to African peacekeeping and Malian government forces.
• 2015 – support to US-led coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.
• 2016 – P5+1 and EU implement a deal with Iran intended to prevent the country gaining access to nuclear weapons.^[38]

Sovereignty disputes

• Spain claims the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.^[39]
• Mauritius claims the entire Chagos Archipelago in the British Indian Ocean Territory, including the island of Diego Garcia used as a joint UK/US military base since the 1970s when the inhabitants were forcibly removed, Blenheim Reef, Speakers Bank and all the other features.^[40]
• Conflicting claims over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, controlled by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina. The dispute escalated into the Falklands War in 1982 over the islands' sovereignty, in which Argentina was defeated.
• There is a territorial claim in Antarctica, the British Antarctic Territory, which overlaps with areas claimed by Chile and Argentina.^[41]
• Dispute over territorial waters and continental shelf rights around Rockall.^[42]
• The presence on the island of Cyprus of the British Overseas Territory and military bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia is sometimes raised as a sovereignty issue.

Commonwealth of Nations & Ireland

The UK has varied relationships with the countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations which originated from the British Empire. Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is Head of the Commonwealth and is Queen of 16 of its 53 member states. Those that retain the Queen as head of state are called Commonwealth realms. Over time several countries have been suspended from the Commonwealth for various reasons. Zimbabwe was suspended because of the authoritarian rule of its President^[43] and so too was Pakistan, but it has since returned. Countries which become republics are still eligible for membership of the Commonwealth so long as they are deemed democratic. Commonwealth nations such as Malaysia enjoyed no export duties in trade with the UK before the UK concentrated its economic relationship with EU member states.

The UK was once a dominant colonial power in many countries on the continent of Africa and its multinationals remain large investors in sub-Saharan Africa. Nowadays the UK, as a leading member of the Commonwealth of Nations, seeks to influence Africa through its foreign policies. Current UK disputes are with Zimbabwe over human rights violations. Tony Blair set up the Africa Commission and urged rich countries to cease demanding developing countries repay their large debts. Relationships with developed (often former dominion) nations are strong with numerous cultural, social and political links, mass inter-migration trade links as well as calls for Commonwealth free trade.

Australia

Australia–United Kingdom relations are close, marked by shared history, culture, institutions and language, extensive people-to-people links, aligned security interests, and vibrant trade and investment cooperation. The long-standing relationship formally began in 1901 when the six British Crown colonies in Australia federated, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed as a Dominion of the British Empire. Australia fought alongside Britain in World War I, notably at Gallipoli, and again in World War II. Andrew Fisher, Australian prime minister from 1914 to 1916, declared that Australia would defend the United Kingdom "to the last man and the last shilling." Until 1949, the United Kingdom and Australia shared a common nationality code. The final constitutional ties between United Kingdom and Australia ended in 1986 with the passing of the Australia Act 1986. Currently, roughly 1/4 of the Australian population was born in the UK, giving strong mutual relations. Furthermore, investment and trade between the two countries are still important.

Barbados

The two countries are related through common history, the Commonwealth of Nations and their sharing of the same Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II as their Monarch. As one of the first English colonies, the initial permanent European settlement took place in the early seventeenth century by English settlers. Barbados thereafter remained as a territory until it negotiated independence in 1966. In recent years, increasing numbers of British nationals have purchased secondary homes in Barbados,^[44] and the islands ranked as the Caribbean regions' fourth largest export market of the United Kingdom.^[45] The British High Commission was established in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1966 and there is also a Barbadian High Commission in London.

Brunei

In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate, gaining its independence from British rule less than 100 years later in 1984.

The UK and Brunei have a long-standing and strong bilateral relationship, particularly on defence co-operation, trade and education. The UK continues to play a strong role in developing Brunei’s oil and gas sector, and the Brunei Investment Agency is a significant investor in the UK, with their largest overseas operations in the City of London. The UK remains the destination of choice for Bruneian students, with about 1,220 of them enrolled in higher education in the UK in 2006-07.

The United Kingdom has a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei has a high commission in London. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Canada

London and Ottawa enjoy cooperative and intimate contact; the two countries are related through history, the Commonwealth of Nations, and their sharing of the same Head of State and monarch.^[46] Both countries fought together in both World Wars, the Korean War, and more recently cooperate in the coalition in the War in Afghanistan. Both are founding members of NATO, and also belong to the G7 (and the G8). Winston Churchill said Canada was the "linchpin of the English-speaking world", as it connects two other anglophone countries: the US and the UK. These three countries were the first to share the knowledge of the atom bomb with each other, as all three worked on the Manhattan Project together. Despite this shared history, the UK and Canada have grown apart economically. The UK was Canada's largest trade partner is the 19th and early 20th centuries, but is now well down the list. The two nations now find themselves in separate trade blocs, the EU for the UK and NAFTA for Canada. However relations are still strong, with large migration between the two countries, as well as Canada having the highest favourable public opinion of the UK in the world.

Cyprus

The UK maintains two sovereign area military bases on the island of Cyprus. The UK is also a signatory to a treaty with Greece and Turkey concerning the independence of Cyprus, the Treaty of Guarantee, which maintains that Britain is a "guarantor power" of the island's independence.^[47]

India

India has a high commission in London and two consulates-general in Birmingham and Edinburgh.^[48] The United Kingdom has a high commission in New Delhi and three deputy high commissions in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.^[49] Although the Sterling Area no longer exists and the Commonwealth is much more an informal forum, India and the UK still have many enduring links. This is in part due to the significant number of people of Indian origin living in the UK. The Asian population in the UK results in steady travel and communication between the two countries. The English language, the railways, the legal and parliamentary systems and cricket have been warmly adopted. Indian cuisines are popular in the UK.^[50] The United Kingdom's favourite food is often reported to be Indian cuisine, although no official study reports this.^[50]

Economically the relationship between Britain and India is also strong. The UK is the second largest investor in India after the US. India is also the second largest investor in Britain after the US.^[51][52][53]

Ireland

Despite a long history of conflict from English Tudor plantation in Ireland to the Irish War of independence, the UK presently works closely with the government of the Republic of Ireland in areas concerning the peace process in Northern Ireland as well as on many security issues. In 1949 the Irish Houses of Parliament passed the Republic of Ireland Act, making the Republic of Ireland officially fully independent; the country withdrew from the Commonwealth. Under the Ireland Act 1949 Irish citizens are treated as though they are Commonwealth citizens and not aliens for the purposes of law. Until 1998, the Republic of Ireland claimed Northern Ireland, but this was rescinded under the Belfast Agreement through an amendment of the Irish Constitution, which now states an aspiration to peaceful unity. There is an ongoing dispute that also involves Denmark and Iceland, over the status of the ocean floor surrounding Rockall. However, this is for the most part a trivial issue that rarely makes it onto British-Irish meeting agendas.^[42]

Both countries are members of the European Union.

Malaysia

The United Kingdom has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has a high commission in London. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Both the UK and Malaysia are part of the Five Powers Defence Arrangements. Malaysia is a strong partner of Britain in the Far East. Britain has made numerous military sacrifices in guaranteeing a stable independent Malaysia, for example the Malaysian Emergency and the protection of the country during high tensions with Indonesia-Konfrontasi.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah paid a state visit to the United Kingdom in July 1974.^[54] The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak paid a state visit to the United Kingdom in November 1993.^[54] HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom paid state visits to Malaysia in October 1989, and in September 1998.^[55]

Malta

In the 1950s and 1960s, serious consideration was given in both countries to the idea of a political union between the United Kingdom and Malta. However, this plan for "Integration with Britain" foundered, and Malta gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1964. British Monarch Queen Elizabeth II remained Queen of Malta until the country became a Republic in 1974. There is a small Maltese community in the United Kingdom. In addition, the British overseas territory of Gibraltar has been influenced by significant 18th and 19th Century immigration from Malta (see "History of the Maltese in Gibraltar").

Both countries are members of the European Union.

Nauru

Nauru was part of the British Western Pacific Territories from September 1914 and June 1921.^[56] The British Government had ceased to exercise any direct role in the governance of Nauru by 1968, when the island achieved its independence. The Nauruan government maintains an Hon. Consul, Martin W I Weston. The British High Commission in Suva is responsible for the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with Nauru.^[57]

New Zealand

Up to about the 1960s, New Zealand also had extremely close economic relations with the United Kingdom, especially considering the distance at which trade took place. As an example, in 1955, Britain took 65.3 percent of New Zealand's exports, and only during the following decades did this dominant position begin to decline as the United Kingdom oriented itself more towards the European Union, with the share of exports going to Britain having fallen to only 6.2 percent in 2000.^[58] Historically, some industries, such as dairying, a major economic factor in the former colony, had even more dominant trade links, with 80-100% of all cheese and butter exports going to Britain from around 1890 to 1940.^[59] This strong bond also supported the mutual feelings for each other in other areas.

Nigeria

Nigeria, formerly a colony, gained independence from Britain in 1960.^[60] Large numbers of Nigerians have since emigrated to Britain. The British government played an important role in resolving the Nigerian Civil War. Trade and investment between the two countries are strong, many British multinational companies are active in Nigeria, especially Shell in oil and gas production.

Pakistan

Pakistan before partition was part of Indian Empire from 1 November 1858 to 13 August 1947. Both UK and Pakistan are active members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Favourable opinion of Britain is much lower in Pakistan, relative to many other Commonwealth countries, this is because the UK is seen as an ally of the US. However, large numbers of Pakistanis live, work and study in the UK and the British government has refused to support US infringements into northern Pakistan during the Afghanistan War, thinking it wrong to violate Pakistani sovereignty as so.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom share Queen Elizabeth as their head of state. They have had relations since 1975 when Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia (then still a British Dominion).

Singapore

Singapore and the United Kingdom share a friendly relationship since Singapore became independent from the United Kingdom in 1959. Singapore retained the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal up till 1989 (fully abolished in 1994) due to political reasons.

United States

The United Kingdom and the United States are close military allies. The two countries share cultural similarities, as well as military research and intelligence facilities. The UK has purchased military technology from the USA such as Trident ballistic missiles, and the US has purchased equipment from Britain (e.g. Harrier Jump Jet). The USA also maintains a large number of military personnel in the UK. In recent years, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President of the United States have often been close friends, for example Tony Blair and Bill Clinton (and later Blair and George W. Bush), and the often like-minded Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. Present British policy is that The United Kingdom's relationship with the United States represents Britain's "most important bilateral relationship".^[61]

Asia and Oceania

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Afghanistan	1921	See Foreign relations of Afghanistan
Australia	1936	See Australia–United Kingdom relations
Bangladesh	1972	See Foreign relations of Bangladesh
Bhutan	No Relations	See Foreign relations of Bhutan
British Indian Ocean Territory		See Foreign relations of British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei	1984	See Foreign relations of Brunei
Burma	1948	See Foreign relations of Burma
Cambodia	1953	See Foreign relations of Cambodia
People's Republic of China	1954	See China–United Kingdom relations Although on opposing sides of the Cold War, both countries were allies during World War II, and are members of the UN and permannent members of the Security Council. But because of the Cold War, First and Second Opium War, and the status of Hong Kong, and other issues, China-UK relations at some points in history have been complicated, but better at other times.
Fiji	1970	See Foreign relations of Fiji
Hong Kong		See Hong Kong–United Kingdom relations and Foreign relations of Hong Kong
India	1947	See India–United Kingdom relations
Indonesia	1949	See Indonesia–United Kingdom relations Indonesia has an embassy in London,[62] the United Kingdom has an embassy in Jakarta.[63]
Japan	1854-10-14	See Japan–United Kingdom relations Contact began in 1600 with the arrival of William Adams (Adams the Pilot, Miura Anjin) on the shores of Kyūshū at Usuki in Ōita Prefecture. During the Sakoku period (1641–1853) there were no relations, but the treaty of 1854 saw the resumption of ties which, despite the hiatus of the Second World War, remain very strong in the present day.
Kazakhstan	1992-01-19	See Kazakhstan–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom opened an embassy in Kazakhstan in October 1992 and Kazakhstan opened an embassy in Britain in February 1996.[64] Kazakhstan's relations with the West have greatly improved in the last few years as the Government has closely cooperated in the United States-led War on Terror. See also: Counter-terrorism in Kazakhstan Britain is the third-largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan with British companies making up 14% of foreign direct investment. Over 100 British companies do business in Kazakhstan.[65]
Kiribati	1979	See Foreign relations of Kiribati
Democratic People's Republic of Korea	2000	See North Korea–United Kingdom relations
Kyrgyzstan	1992	See Kyrgyzstan–United Kingdom relations
Laos	1952	See Foreign relations of Laos
Macao		See Foreign relations of Macao
Malaysia	1957	See Malaysia–United Kingdom relations
Maldives	1965	See Foreign relations of the Maldives
Marshall Islands	1991	See Foreign relations of Marshall Islands
Micronesia	1992-08-31	See Foreign relations of Micronesia
Mongolia	1963-01-23	See Foreign relations of Mongolia
Nauru	1968	See Nauru–United Kingdom relations
Nepal	1816-09-01	See Nepal–United Kingdom relations
New Zealand	1939	See New Zealand–United Kingdom relations
Pakistan	1947	See Pakistan–United Kingdom relations
Palau		See Foreign relations of Palau
Papua New Guinea	1975	See Papua New Guinea–United Kingdom relations
Philippines	1946-07-04	See Foreign relations of the Philippines#United Kingdom The United Kingdom and the Philippines have good relations. The Philippines has been one of the UK's major recruitment countries for nurses and over 80,000 Filipino nurses and care-givers work in the UK. The total Philippine community in the UK is estimated to be about 150,000. There are estimated to be some 15,000 British nationals living in the Philippines. About 65,000 British nationals visit the Philippines annually On 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the then Prime Minister Tony Blair met to talk about Poverty and Terrorism.
Pitcairn Islands		See Foreign relations of the Pitcairn Islands
Samoa	1962	See Foreign relations of Samoa
Singapore	1965	See Singapore–United Kingdom relations
Solomon Islands	1978	See Foreign relations of the Solomon Islands
South Korea	1949-01-18[66]	See South Korea–United Kingdom relations The Republic of Korea (South Korea) gives 18 January 1949 as the date of the establishment of formal relations with the United Kingdom,[66] although diplomatic ties go back to 1883.[67] British military participation in the Korean War during the 1950s was significant, but relations between the two countries at the time were described as "tenuous", with relatively little known about each other. Commercial and trade relationships grew rapidly during the 1970s. During the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s, the Queen made a state visit to South Korea which was well received at a time of crisis in the country. Today, there are strong economic and diplomatic links between the two countries.[67] The United Kingdom has a visa scheme through which young South Koreans can live and work in the UK for two years.[68] There is a British embassy in Seoul and a South Korean embassy in London.[69][70]
Sri Lanka	1948	See Sri Lanka–United Kingdom relations
Taiwan	No Relations	See Taiwan–United Kingdom relations
Tajikistan	1992	See Foreign relations of Tajikistan
Thailand	1855-04-18	See Thailand–United Kingdom relations Thailand is represented in the United Kingdom through the Royal Thai Embassy in London.[71] British interests in Thailand are represented through the British Embassy on Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan in Bangkok [72]
East Timor	2002	See Foreign relations of East Timor
Tonga	1970	See Foreign relations of Tonga
Turkmenistan	1992	See Foreign relations of Turkmenistan
Tuvalu	1978	See Foreign relations of Tuvalu
Uzbekistan	1992	See United Kingdom–Uzbekistan relations
Vanuatu	1980	See Foreign relations of Vanuatu
Vietnam	1973	See Foreign relations of Vietnam Vietnam is represented in the UK by the Embassy of Vietnam in London.[73] The UK entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam in 2010 to demonstrate the extent of existing cooperation between the countries, as well as showing the two governments ambitions for the future.[74]

Europe

The UK has had good relations with the rest of Europe since the Second World War. It became a member of the European Economic Community in 1973, which eventually evolved into the European Union through the Maastricht Treaty twenty years later.^[75] Although the UK does not use the Euro and is not a member of the Eurozone,^[76] it still plays a leading role in the day-to-day workings of the EU. However the United Kingdom has been referred to as a "peculiar" member of the EU, due to its occasional disputes relations with the organisation and differences through geography, history and opt-outs and polls have found that, of the 28 nationalities in the European Union, British people feel the least European.^[77][78] On 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union and the incumbent government has signalled its intention to invoke Article 50, the mechanism to commence withdrawal negotiations by March 2017.^[79]

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Albania	1920-12	See Albania–United Kingdom relations Albania has an embassy in London.[80] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Tirana.[81] FCO Profile
Andorra	1994-03-09[82]	See Foreign relations of Andorra The United Kingdom's Consulate-General in Barcelona handles the United Kingdom's consular activities in Andorra.[83]
Armenia	1992-01-02[84]	See Armenia–United Kingdom relations Armenia has an embassy in London [85] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Yerevan.[86]
Austria	1799	See Foreign relations of Austria Austria has an embassy in London and 4 honorary consulates (in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Grand Cayman and Hamilton).[87] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Vienna and 4 honorary consulates in Bergenz, Graz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg.[88][89] Relations between the Austrian Empire and England were established in the Middle Ages. The United Kingdom and Austria continue these relations. Both countries are full members of the European Union.
Azerbaijan	1992	See Foreign relations of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan has an embassy in London.[90] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Baku.[91] Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Belarus	1992	See Foreign relations of Belarus Belarus has an embassy in London.[92] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Minsk.[93]
Belgium	1830	See Belgium–United Kingdom relations Belgium has an embassy in London and Honorary Consulates in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, Kingston-upon-Hull, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Saint Helier and Southampton.[94] The United Kingdom has an embassy and a Consulate General in Brussels.[93][95] The two countries have trading links going back to the 10th century, especially wool trade from England to the County of Flanders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	1995	See Foreign relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina has an embassy in London.[96] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Sarajevo and an embassy office in Banja Luka.[97]
Bulgaria	1879-07	See Bulgaria–United Kingdom relations Bulgaria has an embassy in London and a Honorary Consulate in Dundee.[98] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Sofia,[99] Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Croatia	1992	See Foreign relations of Croatia Croatia has an embassy in London and a Consulate in Edinburgh.[100] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Zagreb and Consulates in Dubrovnik and Split.[101][102]
Cyprus	1960	Cyprus is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. See Commonwealth of Nations & Ireland Section above Cyprus has a High Commission in London and Honorary Consulates in Birmingham, Bristol, Dunblane, Glasgow, Northern Ireland and West Yorkshire.[103] The United Kingdom has a High Commission in Nicosia.[104]
Czech Republic	1993	See Czech Republic–United Kingdom relations The Czech Republic has an embassy in London and Honorary Consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh.[105][106] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Prague.[107] HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom paid a state visit to the Czech Republic in March 1996.[108]
Denmark	1654-10-01	See Denmark–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom has an embassy in Copenhagen and Denmark has an embassy in London. Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union. HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark paid state visits to the United Kingdom in April/May 1974, and in February 2000.[109] HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom paid state visits to Denmark in May 1957, and in May 1979.[110]
Estonia	1991	See Foreign relations of Estonia Estonia has an embassy in London and Honorary Consuls in Liverpool, Cheltenham, Paisley and Wales.[111][112] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Tallinn.[113]
Finland	1919-05-06[114]	See Foreign relations of Finland Finland has an embassy in London and honorary consulates in Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dover, Dundee, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, Glasgow, Hamilton, Harwich, Hull, Immingham, Leeds, Lerwick, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Plymouth, Rochester, Sheffield, Southampton and St Helier.[114] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Helsinki and honorary consulates in the Åland Islands, Jyväskylä, Kotka, Kuopio, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Turku, Tampere and Vaasa.[115]
France	1505	See France–United Kingdom relations France has an embassy in London and Consulate Generals in London and Edinburgh.[116] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Paris and Consulates in Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille.[117]
Georgia	1992	See Georgia–United Kingdom relations Georgia has an embassy in London.[118] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Tbilisi.[119]
Germany	1680	See Germany–United Kingdom relations Germany has an embassy in London and a Consulate General in Edinburgh. German also has Honorary Consulates in Aberdeen, Barrow on Humber, Belfast, Coventry, Bristol, Cardiff, Dover, Glasgow, Guernsey, Jersey, Kirkwall, Leeds, Lerwick, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Plymouth and Southampton.[120][121][122] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Berlin and Consulate Generals in Düsseldorf and Munich. The United Kingdom also has Honorary Consulates in Bremen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Kiel, Nürnberg and Stuttgart.[123][124][125] The UK maintains 22,000 troops in Germany, as part of the British Forces Germany.
Greece	1832	See Greece–United Kingdom relations Greece has an embassy in London and Honorary Consulates in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, Glasgow and Leeds.[126] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Athens and a Honorary Vice Consulate in Patras. The United Kingdom also has Honorary Consulates in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Zakynthos.[127][128] The two countries share membership of the European Union and NATO.
Holy See	1982	See Holy See–United Kingdom relations With the English Reformation, diplomatic links between London and the Holy See, which had been established in 1479, were interrupted in 1536 and again, after a brief restoration in 1553, in 1558. Formal diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the Holy See were restored in 1914 and raised to ambassadorial level in 1982.[129][130]
Hungary	1920	See also: Foreign relations of Hungary [131] Hungary has an embassy in London and Honorary Consulates in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Torquay.[132] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Budapest.[133]
Iceland	1944	See Iceland–United Kingdom relations Iceland has an embassy in London and 17 honorary consulates in: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dover, Edinburgh, Fleetwood, Glasgow, Grimsby, Hull, Jersey, Lerwick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northern Ireland, and Ormskirk.[134] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Reykjavík and a Honorary Vice-Consulate in Akureyri.[135][136]
Ireland	1921	See Ireland–United Kingdom relations Ireland has an embassy in London and a Consulate General in Edinburgh.[137] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Dublin.[138] Under the Ireland Act 1949 Irish citizens are treated as though they are Commonwealth citizens and not aliens for the purposes of law. See Commonwealth of Nations & Ireland Section above.
Italy	1861	See Italy–United Kingdom relations Italy has an embassy in London, two Consulate Generals in Edinburgh & London and Honorary Consulates in Belfast, Glasgow & Liverpool. Italy also has Honorary Vice Consulates in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff & Nottingham and Honorary Consular Agency in Ashford, Bristol, Chestnut, Dundee, Greenock, Guernsey, Hull, Jersey, Newcastle upon Tyne, Peterborough, Watford & Woking.[139] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Rome, a Consulate-General in Milan and a Consulate in Rome.[140][141] Between 4 and 5 million British tourists visit Italy every year, while 1 million Italian tourists visit the UK.[142] There are about 19,000 British nationals living in Italy, and 150,000 Italians living in the UK.[143] 'Britalian' - British people of Italian descent.
Kosovo	2008	See Kosovo–United Kingdom relations Kosovo has a Consular Mission in London.[144] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Pristina.[145] When Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, the United Kingdom became one of the first countries to officially announce recognition of sovereign Kosovo on 18 February 2008.[146][147] The United Kingdom has had an embassy in Pristina since 5 March 2008.[148] Kosovo has an embassy in London since 1 October 2008.
Latvia	1991	See Foreign relations of Latvia Latvia has an embassy in London and Honorary Consulates in Edinburgh, Northern Ireland, Manchester and Wales.[149] The United Kingdom has embassy in Riga.[150]
Liechtenstein
Lithuania	1991-09-04[151]	See Lithuania–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom has an embassy in Vilnius and an honorary consulate in Klaipėda.[152][153] Lithuania has an embassy in London and 4 honorary consulates in Northern Ireland, North East England, Wales and the West Midlands.[154] There are around 100,000 Lithuanians living in the United Kingdom. Both countries are full members of NATO and of the European Union. In 2006, HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Prince Philip paid an official state visit to Lithuania.[155][156] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Lithuania Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Poland (in Lithuanian only)
Luxembourg
Republic of Macedonia
Malta	1964	See Malta–United Kingdom relations Malta has a High Commission in London and Consulates in Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.[157][158] The United Kingdom has a High Commission in Valletta.[159] Malta is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. See Commonwealth of Nations & Ireland Section above.
Moldova	1992-01-17[160]	See Foreign relations of Moldova Moldova has an embassy in London.[161] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Chişinău.[162] The number of British and Moldovan citizens in Moldova and the United Kingdom respectively is insignificant. When visiting Moldova no visa obligation exists for British citizens for stays in Moldova less than 90 days, otherwise a visa is required. For Moldovan citizens a visa is required for any border crossing, except for transfer passengers. Embassy of The Republic of Moldova to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Monaco
Montenegro	2006-06-13	See Montenegro–United Kingdom relations Montenegro has an embassy in London.[163] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Podgorica.[164] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Montenegro country profile
Netherlands	1603	See Netherlands–United Kingdom relations The Netherlands has an embassy in London and Consulates in Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Hamilton, Harwich, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Plymouth and Southampton. The Netherlands also has a Vice Consulate in Dover.[165][166] The United Kingdom has an embassy in The Hague and Consulates in Amsterdam and Willemstad.[167][168]
Norway	1905	See Norway–United Kingdom relations Norway has an embassy in London and Consulate General in Edinburgh. Norway also has Consulates in Aberdeen, Ardrossan, Barrow-on-Furness, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Douglas, Dundee, Gibraltar, Glasgow, Grimsby, Inverness, Jersey, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth, Southampton and Stornoway.[169] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Oslo and Consulates in Ålesund, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. The United Kingdom also has Honorary Consulates in Bodø, Kristiansand and Tromsø.[170]
Poland	1919	See Poland–United Kingdom relations Poland has an embassy in London, a Consulate General in Edinburgh and Manchester. Poland also has Honorary Consulates in Bristol, Gibraltar, Hull, Kidderminster, Newry and St Helier.[171][172][173][174] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Warsaw.[175] In the 1990s and 2000s democratic Poland has maintained close relations with Britain; both in defence matters and within the EU; Britain being one of only a few countries allowing equal rights to Polish workers upon their accession in 2004.
Portugal	1373	See Portugal–United Kingdom relations Portugal has an embassy and Consulate General in London and Consulates in Belfast, Edinburgh, Hamilton, Manchester and St Helier.[176] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Lisbon and Consulates in Lisbon and Portimão. The United Kingdom also has Honorary Consulates in Funchal, Oporto and Ponta Delgada.[177][178] The relationship dates back to the Middle Ages in 1373 with the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.
Romania	1880-02-20	See Romania–United Kingdom relations Romania has an embassy in London and a Consulate in Edinburgh. Romania also has Honorary Consulates in Hirwaun, Leeds, Morpeth-Newcastle and Southampton.[179][180] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Bucharest.[181] In 2009 Romanian immigrants were attacked in Northern Ireland.[182] See also Romanian migration to the United Kingdom British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Romania
Russia	1553	See Russia–United Kingdom relations Russia has an embassy in London and a Consulate in Edinburgh.[183][184] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Moscow and Consulate Generals in Ekaterinburg and Saint Petersburg.[185][186] Spanning nearly five centuries, the relationship has often switched from a state of alliance to rivalry. Presently there is a diplomatic row going on over extraditions.
San Marino	1899;1961	See San Marino–United Kingdom relations San Marino has a Consulate General in London.[187] The United Kingdom has a Consulate General to San Marino in Rome.[188]
Serbia	1837	See Serbia–United Kingdom relations Serbia has an embassy in London.[189] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Belgrade.[190] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Serbia
Slovakia	1993	Slovakia has an embassy in London.[191] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Bratislava.[192] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the relation with Slovakia
Slovenia	1992	See Foreign relations of Slovenia Slovenia has an embassy in London and has Consulate Generals in Belfast and Edinburgh.[193] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Ljubljana.[194]
Spain	1509	See Spain–United Kingdom relations Spain has an embassy in London and Consulate Generals in Edinburgh and London.[195][196] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Madrid and Consulate Generals in Barcelona and Madrid. The United Kingdom also has Consulates in Bilbao, Ibiza, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife.[197][198] During the Second World War Spain remained neutral, but was perceived to be closely aligned with Nazi Germany. Following the end of the war, frosty relations continued between the two states until the end of the Franco era and the democratisation of Spain.
Sweden	1653	See Foreign relations of Sweden Sweden has an embassy in London as well as Consulate Generals in Edinburgh and Gibraltar. Sweden also has consulates in Guernsey and Jersey as well as honorary consulates in Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Dover, Glasgow, Immingham, Lerwick, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Southampton and Stornonway.[199] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Stockholm and honorary consulates in Gothenburg and Malmö.[200][201]
Switzerland	1900	See Switzerland and the European Union Switzerland has an embassy in London and Consulate General in Edinburgh. Switzerland also has Consulates in Belfast, Cardiff, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Hamilton, Manchester and St Peter Port.[202][203] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Bern.[204]
Turkey	1793	See Turkey–United Kingdom relations Turkey has an embassy and a Consulate General in London.[205][206] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Ankara, a Consulate Generals in Istanbul, a Vice Consulate in Antalya and a Consulate in Izmir. The United Kingdom has Honorary Consulates in Adana, Bodrum, Fethiye and Marmaris.[207][208] The United Kingdom is the second biggest importer of goods from Turkey, after Germany. Turkey exports around 8% of its total goods to the United Kingdom.[209] Around 1,000,000 Britons take holidays in Turkey every year, while 100,000 Turks travel to the UK for business or pleasure.[210] The United Kingdom does not recognise the TRNC. The TRNC is only recognised by Turkey. The UK is also a signatory to a treaty with Greece and Turkey concerning the independence of Cyprus, the Treaty of Guarantee, which maintains that Britain is a "guarantor power" of the island's independence.[211]
Ukraine	1991	See Ukraine–United Kingdom relations Ukraine opened an Embassy in London in October 1992 and a Consulate General in Edinburgh in February 2002.[212] The United Kingdom Consulate-General in Kiev opened in November 1991 and became an Embassy in January 1992.[213] See also Ukrainian diaspora in the United Kingdom British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the relations with Ukraine

Middle East and North Africa

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Algeria	1962	See Foreign relations of Algeria
Bahrain	1971	See Bahrain–United Kingdom relations Bahrain has an embassy in London and the United Kingdom is only one of four European countries to have embassy in Manama. Bahrain gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 and has since maintained diplomatic and trade relations.
Egypt	1922	See Egypt–United Kingdom relations
Iran	1807	See Iran–United Kingdom relations Iran, which was known as Persia before 1935, has had political relations with England since the late Ilkhanate period (13th century) when King Edward I of England sent Geoffrey de Langley to the Ilkhanid court to seek an alliance.[214]
Iraq	1920	See Iraq–United Kingdom relations Sanctions against Iraq from 1990 to 2003 prevented any form of economic relations with the United Kingdom and any other country for thirteen years. Ties between London and Baghdad are slowly progressing.
Israel	1948	See Israel–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom has an embassy in Tel Aviv and a consul in Eilat.[215] Israel has an embassy and a consulate in London.[216][217]
Jordan	1952	See Foreign relations of Jordan
Kuwait	1961	See Foreign relations of Kuwait
Lebanon	1944	See Foreign relations of Lebanon
Libya		See Libya–United Kingdom relations
Mauritania	1960	See Foreign relations of Mauritania
Morocco	1956	See Morocco–United Kingdom relations According to some accounts, in the beginning of the 13th century King John of England (1167–1216) sent an embassy to the Almohad Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (1199–1213), requesting military support and an alliance against France.[218] At home, King John was faced with a dire situation, in which his Barons revolted against him, he had been excommunicated by the Pope, and France was threatening to invade. The embassy of three was led by Bishop Roger, and King John supposedly offered to convert to Islam and pay a tribute to al-Nasir in exchange for his help. Al-Nasir apparently dismissed the proposal.[219]
Oman	1971	See Oman–United Kingdom relations The relations between the United Kingdom and Oman are strong and strategic.[220] In April 2010 the government of Oman stated that it wanted to buy Eurofighter Typhoons from the UK.[220] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Mina al Fahal[221] and Oman has an embassy in London.[222]
Palestinian Authority		See Palestine–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom maintains a consulate in Jerusalem which handles British relations with the Palestinian Authority.[223] The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states the "Consular district covers Jerusalem (West and East), the West Bank and Gaza. As well as work on the Middle East Peace Process and other political issues, the Consulate also promotes trade between the UK and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and manages an extensive programme of aid and development work. The latter is undertaken primarily by the DFID office in Jerusalem.".[223] The Palestinian Authority is represented in London by Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom.[223]
Qatar	1971	See Qatar-United Kingdom relations
Saudi Arabia	1927	See Saudi Arabia–United Kingdom relations The UK has an embassy in Riyadh, consulate in Jeddah and trade office in Al Khobar.[224] Saudi Arabia has an embassy and consulate in London.[225]
Syria
Tunisia	1956	See Foreign relations of Tunisia
United Arab Emirates	1971	See United Arab Emirates–United Kingdom relations
Yemen	1970	See Yemen–United Kingdom relations

North America

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Anguilla		See Foreign relations of Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda	1981	See Foreign relations of Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas	1973	See Foreign relations of the Bahamas
Barbados	1966	See Barbados–United Kingdom relations
Belize	1981	See Foreign relations of Belize
Bermuda		See Foreign relations of Bermuda
British Virgin Islands		See Foreign relations of British Virgin Islands
Canada	1880	See Canada–United Kingdom relations
Cayman Islands		See Foreign relations of the Cayman Islands
Costa Rica	1849	See Foreign relations of Costa Rica
Cuba	1902	See Cuba–United Kingdom relations
Curaçao		See Foreign relations of Curaçao
Dominica	1978	See Foreign relations of Dominica
Dominican Republic	1871	See Foreign relations of the Dominican Republic
El Salvador	1834	See Foreign relations of El Salvador
Grenada	1974	See Grenada–United Kingdom relations
Guatemala	1834	See Foreign relations of Guatemala
Haiti	1859	See Foreign relations of Haiti
Honduras	1834	See Foreign relations of Honduras
Jamaica	1962	See Foreign relations of Jamaica
Mexico	1822	See Mexico–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom was the first country in Europe to recognize Mexico's Independence.[226] The relationship between the two nations began after the Pastry War when the United Kingdom aided Mexico against France. Also, relations improved when Mexico joined the British alongside the Allies to fight the Japanese forces in the Pacific War. Mexico has an embassy in London. The United Kingdom has an embassy in Mexico City and a consulate in Monterrey.
Montserrat		See Foreign relations of Montserrat
Nicaragua	1849	See Foreign relations of Nicaragua
Panama	1904	See Foreign relations of Panama The United Kingdom has an embassy in Panama City.[227] Panama has an embassy in London.[228] The UK and Panama have a strong bilateral relationship.
Saint Helena		See Foreign relations of Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis	1983	See Foreign relations of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia	1979	See Foreign relations of Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1979	See Foreign relations of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago	1962	See Trinidad and Tobago–United Kingdom relations
Turks and Caicos Islands		See Foreign relations of Turks and Caicos Islands
United States	1785-06-01	See United Kingdom–United States relations

Sub Saharan Africa

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Angola	1975	See Foreign relations of Angola
Benin	1962	See Foreign relations of Benin
Botswana	1966	See Foreign relations of Botswana
Burkina Faso	1962	See Foreign relations of Burkina Faso
Burundi	1962	See Foreign relations of Burundi
Cameroon	1960	See Foreign relations of Cameroon
Cape Verde	1975	See Foreign relations of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	1960	See Foreign relations of the Central African Republic
Chad	1962	See Foreign relations of Chad
Comoros	1975	See Foreign relations of Comoros
Democratic Republic of the Congo	1960	See Foreign relations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Congo	1960	See Foreign relations of the Republic of the Congo
Cote d'Ivoire	1960	See Foreign relations of Côte d'Ivoire
Djibouti		See Foreign relations of Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea	1968	See Foreign relations of Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea	1993	See Foreign relations of Eritrea
Ethiopia	1897	See Foreign relations of Ethiopia
Gabon	1960	See Foreign relations of Gabon
Gambia	1965	See Foreign relations of Gambia
Ghana	1957	See Foreign relations of Ghana
Guinea	1958	See Foreign relations of Guinea
Guinea-Bissau		See Foreign relations of Guinea-Bissau
Kenya	1960	See Foreign relations of Kenya
Lesotho	1966	See Foreign relations of Lesotho
Liberia	1847	See Foreign relations of Liberia
Madagascar		See Foreign relations of Madagascar
Malawi	1964	See Malawi–United Kingdom relations
Mali		See Foreign relations of Mali
Mauritius		See Foreign relations of Mauritius
Mozambique	1975	See Foreign relations of Mozambique
Namibia	1990	See Namibia–United Kingdom relations
Niger	1960	See Foreign relations of Niger
Nigeria	1960	See Nigeria–United Kingdom relations
Rwanda	1962	See Foreign relations of Rwanda
São Tomé and Príncipe	1975	See Foreign relations of São Tomé and Príncipe
Senegal	1960	See Foreign relations of Senegal
Seychelles	1976	See Foreign relations of Seychelles
Sierra Leone	1961	See Foreign relations of Sierra Leone
Somalia	1960	See Somalia – United Kingdom relations
South Africa	1927	See South Africa–United Kingdom relations
South Sudan	2011	See Foreign relations of South Sudan
Sudan	1959	See Sudan–United Kingdom relations Sudan has an embassy in London whilst the United Kingdom has an embassy in Khartoum.
Swaziland	1968	See Foreign relations of Swaziland
Tanzania	1964	See Foreign relations of Tanzania
Togo		See Foreign relations of Togo
Uganda	1962	See Foreign relations of Uganda
Zambia	1960	See Foreign relations of Zambia
Zimbabwe	1980	See Foreign relations of Zimbabwe

South America

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Argentina	1823-12-15	See Argentina–United Kingdom relations Diplomatic relations were cut off before the Falklands War, they were reinstated only in 1990, after the departure of Margaret Thatcher from the post of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Argentina has an embassy in London[229] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Buenos Aires.[230] List of Treaties ruling the relations Argentina and United Kingdom (Argentine Foreign Ministry, in Spanish)
Ascension Island		See Foreign relations of Ascension Island
Bolivia	1837	See Foreign relations of Bolivia
Brazil	1826	See Foreign relations of Brazil
Chile	1844	See Chile–United Kingdom relations Britain also once played an important role in investments and diplomacy in Chile and South America as a whole. Chile provided some assistance to Britain during the Falklands War since it was itself at risk of possible war with Argentina regarding the boundary between the two nations in the Beagle Channel.[231] The United Kingdom has embassies in Valparaíso, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas and Santiago. Chile has an embassy in London.
Colombia	1825-04-18	See Colombia–United Kingdom relations Colombia has an embassy in London.[232] The United Kingdom has an embassy in Bogotá and two consulates in Cali and Cartagena.[233] The United Kingdom helped Colombia to gain independence from Spain. Colombia, as well as the United States and Chile, declared Argentina to be the aggressor of the Falklands War. See also Colombians in the United Kingdom. British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the relation with Colombia
Ecuador	1935	See Foreign relations of Ecuador In 2012, relations came under strain when Julian Assange, founder of the Wikileaks website, entered the Ecuadorian embassy in London and sought asylum; Assange had recently lost a legal case against his extradition to Sweden on charges of sexual assault and rape, but when within the embassy he was on diplomatic territory and beyond the reach of the British police.[234] The United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office delivered a note to the Ecuadorian government in Quito reminding them of the provisions of the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act 1987 which allow the British government to withdraw recognition of diplomatic protection from embassies; the move was interpreted as a hostile act by Ecuador, with Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño stating that this "explicit threat" would be met with "appropriate responses in accordance with international law".[235] Assange was granted diplomatic asylum on 16 August 2012, with Foreign Minister Patiño stating that Assange's fears of political persecution were "legitimate".[236]
Falkland Islands		See Foreign relations of Falkland Islands
Guyana	1966	See Foreign relations of Guyana
Paraguay	1853-03-04	See Paraguay–United Kingdom relations Diplomatic relations between both countries were established on 4 March 1853, with the signing of a treaty of Friendship, Trade and Navigation. A dominant view in Paraguay and significant in all the Southern Cone is that the interests of the British Empire played a considerable role during the Paraguayan War.[237] The United Kingdom is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and an honorary consulate in Asunción. Paraguay has an embassy in London.[238] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Paraguay Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with the United Kingdom
Peru	1827	See Foreign relations of Peru
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands		See Foreign relations of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Suriname	1975	See Foreign relations of Suriname
Tristan da Cunha		See Foreign relations of Tristan da Cunha
Uruguay	1825	See United Kingdom–Uruguay relations The UK played an important role in Uruguay's history until the end of World War II, after which the United States played an increasing role. The United Kingdom has an embassy in Montevideo.[239] Uruguay has an embassy in London. British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about the relation with Uruguay
Venezuela	1842	See Venezuela–United Kingdom relations; Venezuelan crisis of 1902–03

International Organisations

The United Kingdom is a member of the following international organisations:^[240]

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, Commonwealth of Nations, CBSS (observer), CDB, Council of Europe, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, European Union, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G7, G8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD (also known as the World Bank), ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SECI (observer), UN, United Nations Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, Zangger Committee

See also

• Timeline of British diplomatic history
• Timeline of imperialism
• Anglophobia
• History of the United Kingdom
• British military history
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department for International Development
• Heads of United Kingdom Missions
• List of diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom
• List of diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom
• Visa requirements for British citizens
• Declaration of war by the United Kingdom

References

Bibliography

• Blair, Tony. A Journey: My Political Life (2010)
• Casey, Terrence. The Blair Legacy: Politics, Policy, Governance, and Foreign Affairs (2009) excerpt and text search
• Daddow, Oliver, and Jamie Gaskarth, eds. British foreign policy: the New Labour years (Palgrave, 2011)
• Daddow, Oliver. "Constructing a ‘great’ role for Britain in an age of austerity: Interpreting coalition foreign policy, 2010–2015." International Relations 29.3 (2015): 303-318.
• Dickie, John. The New Mandarins: How British Foreign Policy Works (2004)
• Dumbrell, John. A special relationship: Anglo-American relations from the cold war to Iraq (2006)
• Finlan, Alastair. Contemporary Military Strategy and the Global War on Terror: US and UK Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq 2001-2012 (2014)
• Honeyman, V. C. "From Liberal Interventionism to Liberal Conservatism: the short road in foreign policy from Blair to Cameron." British Politics (2015). abstract
• Lane, Ann. Strategy, Diplomacy and UK Foreign Policy (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010)
• Leech, Philip, and Jamie Gaskarth. "British Foreign Policy and the Arab Spring." Diplomacy & Statecraft 26#1 (2015).
• Lunn, Jon, Vaughne Miller, Ben Smith. "British foreign policy since 1997 - Commons Library Research Paper RP08/56 (UK House of Commons, 2008) 123pp online
• Northedge, F.S. The troubled giant: Britain among the great powers, 1916-1939 (1966).
• Northedge, F.S. Desent From Power British Foreign Policy 1945-1973 (1974) online
• Seah, Daniel. "The CFSP as an aspect of conducting foreign relations by the United Kingdom: With Special Reference to the Treaty of Amity & Cooperation in Southeast Asia]" International Review of Law (2015) "online
• [[Robert William Seton-Watson}Seton-Watson, R.W.]] Britain in Europe (1789–1914): A Survey of Foreign Policy (1937) online
• Williams, Paul. British Foreign Policy under New Labour (2005)

External links

• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department for International Development