On 7 December 1870, the Austro–Hungarian Empire and Uruguay signed a Trade, Shipping and Friendship Treaty.[1] In the late 1800s and early 1900s; approximately 5 to 7,000 Hungarians immigrated to Uruguay. In 1936, the Uruguayan Hungarian Association was established in Montevideo.[2] There was also an important influx of Hungarian Jews to Uruguay during the first half of the 20th century.[3][4]
In 1953, Hungary opened a trade office in Montevideo.[5] On 14 June 1956, both nations established diplomatic relations. However, diplomatic relations could not be realized until 1964 due to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.[5]
Initial high-level visits between foreign ministers took place in 1972 when Hungarian Deputy Foreign Minister, Imre Hollai, paid a visit to Uruguay. In 1986, Uruguayan Foreign Minister, Enrique V. Iglesias, paid a visit to Hungary.[1] There would be other high-level ministerial visits between both nations.
In 2002, Uruguay closed its embassy in Budapest due to budget restraints.[6]
Both nations have signed a few bilateral agreements such as an Inter-bank Agreement (1950); Agreement of reciprocal promotion and protection of investments (1992); and an Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation regarding Income Tax and Wealth Tax (1993).[7][5]
