I. Diplomatic Relations

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1928. Both countries have embassies, in Montevideo and Athens respectively.

II. Framework of Treaties

The following three bilateral agreements have been concluded and have entered into force. 

•           Cultural Agreement (1957, entry into force 1967).
•           Social Security Agreement (1994, entry into force 1997).
•           Agreement on the Reciprocal Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders (1994, entry into force 1997).

Moreover, pending the outcome of negotiations on the EU Mercosur Framework Agreement, a series of bilateral agreements are also pending, the most significant among them being agreements on the Taxation of Maritime Companies, on Tourist Co-operation, on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments, on Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation, and on General Cargo Merchant Vessels.

III. Political Relations

There are no problems of a political nature in the bilateral relations between Greece and Uruguay. Moreover, co-operation between them in International Organisations is very good. Greece enjoys the steady support of Uruguay on issues of national interest. 

The most important Greek high-level visits to Uruguay are those paid by the then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Niotis (1994), by the Greek Parliamentary Delegation (1995) and by the then Mayor of Athens D. Avramopoulos (2003). Lastly, it should be said that the two peoples share deep feelings of friendship. The people of Uruguay are very knowledgeable about Greece and the Greek civilization and hold both in high esteem. 

IV. Economic and Trade Relations

Purely bilateral trade between Greece and Uruguay declined sharply during the international economic recession of the early 2000s, reaching its lowest point in 2002. However, it has been gradually recovering ever since. Even though volumes remain low, bilateral trade is expected to double in 2004 compared with the previous year.

Until October 2004, Greek exports to Uruguay amounted to about $2.5 million and imports to $2.22 million. Greek exports to Uruguay are mainly in the form of tobacco and maritime or other industrial goods. She imports fish, citrus fruits and wines.

Significant investments in Uruguay have been made by the Tsakos Group, which provides ship-repair and maritime transport services and is also involved in agricultural and agro-forestry activities. There is also a significant number of shipping offices.

Finally, in Montevideo there is a Greek-Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding tourism, neither Greece nor Uruguay is an exclusive tourist destination for their peoples, but feature in tourist packages which also include other countries in the region. Such tourists fall into the upper-middle income bracket. In 2003, about 3000 Uruguayans visited Greece on package tours, with 2004 figures expected to be significantly higher, chiefly due to the Olympics.

V. Cultural Relations

In the area of theatre and music, important events included the performances of The Persians (Th. Terzopoulos, 1994), and Oedipus Rex (The National Theatre, 2000) and the concerts by D. Samiou (1991), G. Dalaras (1996), H. Alexiou (1998) and . Mitsias (2003). In the area of letters and sciences, there have been a significant number of visits and lectures, most important amongst them being by the author Antonis Samarakis (1997) and the deputy Dean of the University of Athens M. Dermitzakis (2004). Several works by both Uruguayan and Greek authors have been translated into Greek and Spanish respectively.

Significant cultural work has been conducted by the non-profit- making Maria Tsakos Foundation, whose chief purpose is to promote the Greek language and the Greek and Cypriot culture. In addition to cultural activities it undertakes individually, it also assists in the staging of similar events by other bodies.

Finally, the State Museum of Montevideo has an Ancient Greek Culture wing with copies of Greek statues.

VI. The Greek Community

It is estimated that there are 2,000 people of Greek descent living in Uruguay. The Greek Community of Montevideo owns a plot of land, a church and a reception hall. These were donations made by A. Onassis and K. Konialidis. There is also an old peoples home and a Greek community school with a teacher seconded by the Greek Ministry of Education. A charitable society operates under the priests supervision. Finally, there is a branch of the Lykion ton Hellinidon.