Greek-Ukrainian relations have developed steadily in all fields ever since Ukraine declared its independence after the disintegration of the former Soviet Union.

A Greek Embassy was established in Kiev in 1993 and a Consulate is about to open in Odessa, where a branch of the Foundation for Hellenic Culture has already been functioning for the last two years.

A number of agreements promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields have already been concluded. Prime among them is the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation, which was finalized in November 1995 in Athens.

Greece supports the process of economic and other reforms leading to democratization, and encourages Ukraine's association with world and European structures and organizations. It should be noted that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine was signed during the Greek Presidency (14 June 1994).

A large Greek community lives in Ukraine (numbering approximately 200,000), mainly in the regions of Mariupol, Kharkov, Odessa, and the Crimea. Greece supports the efforts of Ukrainians of Greek descent to maintain their ties with the Greek language and culture. Special programmes exist for this purpose.