Vanuatu: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Prior to the 1980s, citizens of the United States had only very occasional contact with residents of the Pacific islands that comprise what is now the Republic of Vanuatu.

Modern Flag of Vanuatu

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Vanuatu, 1980

The United States recognized the Republic of Vanuatu soon after it gained its independence on July 30, 1980, when President Jimmy Carter sent a message to that effect to the Government of Vanuatu. Vanuatu previously had been under the joint sovereignty of a condominium between France and the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1986

The United States established diplomatic relations with Vanuatu on September 30, 1986, when representatives of both states signed an agreement to that effect.

Establishment of Ambassadorial Relations, 1987

Although no U.S. diplomatic mission was established at the capital of Port Vila in 1986, Ambassadorial relations commenced when U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Everett E. Bierman presented his credentials to the Government of Vanuatu on April 10, 1987.

Opening of U.S. Embassy in Port Vila, 2024

On July 19, 2024, the United States officially opened the U.S. Embassy in Port Vila.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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