Central Asia attracted international attention after the events of September 11 and the ensuing Afghan crisis. However, the spread of Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism and arms and drugs trafficking are problems that the countries of Central Asia have been facing for quite some time. The lack of organized defense, the negative economic climate and the lack of democratic reforms are, in our opinion, the main factors that might contribute to exacerbation of a crisis in the area.  Greece shares with the EU and NATO the view that their policies in Central Asia should be enhanced, focusing on economic development, security and democratic changes in those countries.

Greece has developed its bilateral relations mainly with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.  There is a Greek Embassy in Almaty (also covering Kyrgyzstan) and we are in the process of opening an Embassy in Tashkent. For the time being, in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, Greece is represented through its Embassy in Moscow.

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