Uruguay was one of the first countries to recognize the newly established Greek state after the war of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.[1] In 1872, Greece and Uruguay established honorary consulates in each other's countries, respectively.[2] In 1916, the La Colectividad Helénica de Montevideo was established in Montevideo as a cultural center for the Greek community in Uruguay.[3] In the 1920s, the first major wave of Greek immigrants arrived in the country.[1] Diplomatic relations between Greece and Uruguay were officially established in 1928.[4] In the 1950s and 1960s, after the Greek Civil War, Uruguay received a second wave of Greek immigrants to the country.[1]
In March 1978, the Maria Tsakos Foundation was established in Montevideo to teach ancient and modern Hellenic culture and language.[1]
Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements, such as an Agreement on Cultural Cooperation (1967); Agreement on Social Security (1994), an Agreement on the Reciprocal Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders (1994),[2] and an Agreement on Cooperation in Maritime Affairs.[10]
Trade
Greece's main exports to Uruguay include: Papadopoulos biscuits, olive oil and tobacco.[11]
Uruguay's main exports to Greece include: soy, citruses (primarily lemons) and fish.[2] Greek shipping company, Tsakos Energy Navigation, is a major investor in Uruguay with more than US$250 million invested in the country.[2]