Greece's traditional commercial, historical, and cultural ties with the countries of Central Europe serve as the basis upon which extensive and substantive relations are built. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the countries of Central Europe became centers of a revival of Greek culture, whereas the thriving Greek communities in the major Central European cities established strong links with the local populations . Even before the 18th century, Byzantine scholars and Christian priests, while traveling around Central Europe, introduced therein important elements of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine culture and civilization.
Greece attaches special importance to the political stability and the economic development of the countries of Central Europe. Although she recognizes the inherent difficulties involved in the efforts towards the establishment of democracy and the transition to market economies, she is also convinced that these efforts will lead to positive results, as already witnessed in many cases.
On the other hand, democracy and economic stability in Central Europe will only be sustainable if they are well-founded upon regional and global peace and security. Subsequently, Greece supports wholeheartedly the initiatives for enhancing co-operation and security in Central and Eastern Europe, either on bilateral or on multilateral bases.
Within this context, Greece supports the efforts undertaken by European and other international fora and organizations (such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe) to reinforce democratic institutions within Central European countries, to enhance respect for international law and the implementation of OSCE principles, and to take advantage of the existing mechanisms of conflict prevention. Within this framework of co-operation, Greece supports the Central European countries' participation in the North Atlantic Co-operation Council, the "Partnership for Peace" initiative, and the special status established at the Western European Union.
During the Greek Presidency of the European Union (first half of 1994), the political dialogue of the EU with the countries of Central Europe was strengthened. Furthermore, during the same period, Poland and Hungary concluded European Association Agreements. Moreover, Greece, together with its EU partners, is providing considerable economic and technical assistance to Central Europe under various development programmes (e.g. PHARE) in addition to the high-level political co-operation already established.
It should be noted that Greece maintains excellent bilateral relations with the countries of Central Europe, within a framework of agreements of co-operation on commercial, trade, scientific, and cultural issues, coupled with a considerable number of annual official visits. Additionally, the volume of commercial and trade activity has increased the last two years, indicating a healthy economic interaction that includes direct investments by Greek firms in some of these countries. Moreover, in order to facilitate the direct communication among citizens themselves, a number of measures have been undertaken, including the abolition of visa requirements and the facilitation of tour operators.
Greece believes that it is necessary for the benefit of all European countries to consolidate democracy and to ensure for their people prosperity, along with better living standards. Thus, within the process of economic and political integration in Europe, the role of all Central and Eastern European countries will be decisive, in order to achieve peace, security, and stability in the Continent, without creating new dividing lines.