I. Diplomatic Relations

Greece has had diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan since 1992. There have been reciprocal visits at the level of heads of state and also at ministerial level. There is an Uzbek General Consulate in Athens.

II. Framework of Treaties

- Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (1997)

- Cooperation Protocol between Ministries of Foreign Affairs (1997)

- Tourism Cooperation Agreement (1997).

- Agreement on the Establishment of Consular Authorities (1997)

- Agreement on Economic and Technological Cooperation (1998)

- Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments (1998)

- Agreement for Cooperation in Education, Science and Culture (1998)

- Air Cooperation Agreement (1998)

- Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (1999)

- Agreement on International Road and Goods Transport (1999)

- Consular Agreement (2000)

- Agreement on Mutual Assistance between Customs Authorities (2001).

III. Political relations

a) The Greek position on issues concerning Uzbekistan:

Greece supports stability and security in Central Asia as well as cooperation between the countries of the region to this end. Greece wants Uzbekistans relations with the European Union to be strengthened and welcomes its intention to start a dialogue with the EU on human rights.

On 11/06/2008, the second meeting of the Greek-Uzbek Joint Committee on economic, technological, and scientific cooperation took place in Athens. Greece was represented at the meeting by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Petros Doukas, and Uzbekistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Economic Relations, Investment and Trade, Mr. Nasriddin Najimov.

Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis met with Uzbekistans Foreign Minister, Mr. Norov, on the sidelines of the 1^st EU-Central Asia Forum on security issues, held in Paris (18/09/2008).

On 2 October 2008, a Protocol of Exchange of Instruments of Ratification was signed between the Hellenic Republic, represented by the Head of the Foreign Ministrys A5 Directorate, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, represented by the Consul General of Uzbekistan to Athens.

b) High-level visits

- Visit to Athens of Uzbekistans President, Mr. Islam Karimov.

(1997)

- Visit by President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Stephanopoulos, to Tashkent (1999).

IV. Cultural relations

Greeces Embassy in Moscow organised a major archaeological exhibition entitled Greece-Uzbekistan: common cultural traditions in association with the Foreign Ministry and the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan.

V. The Greek community

Approximately 9,000 ethnic Greeks live in Uzbekistan. The community is made up of Greeks from Russia who were displaced from Central Asia in the 1940s, as well as political refugees from Greece. The most important organization representing ethnic Greeks is the Greek Cultural Association of Tashkent. The activities of this organization include Greek language teaching (19 classes with a total of 571 students, as well as courses for adults) and lessons on Greek dance and music.

VI. Embassy details 

The Greek Embassy in Moscow has parallel accreditation for Uzbekistan.

Last modified: October 2008