Foreign relations of Greece

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As one of the oldest Euro-Atlantic member states in the region of Southeast Europe, Greece enjoys a prominent geopolitical role as a middle power, due to its political and geographical proximity to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, its main allies are the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Bulgaria, the other NATO countries, and the European Union.

Greece also maintains strong diplomatic relations with Cyprus, Serbia, Armenia, Albania, Egypt, Russia and Israel, while at the same time focuses at improving further the good relations with the Arab World, Caucasus, China and Japan; as member of both the EU and the Union for the Mediterranean, Greece is a key player in the eastern Mediterranean region and has encouraged the collaboration between neighbors, as well as promoting the Energy Triangle, for gas exports to Europe. Greece also has the largest economy in the Balkans, where it is an important regional investor.

Prominent issues in Hellenic foreign policy include the claims in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean by Turkey and the Turkish occupation of Cyprus.

Overview[edit]

Greece has diplomatic relations with almost all the countries in the world, as shown in the map below.

Foreign relations of Greece.svg
Representation through:[1]      embassy –      Greek embassy in another country
     general consulate –      no representation –      Greece

Disputes[edit]

Republic of North Macedonia[edit]

Main article: Macedonia naming dispute

Greece rejected the use of the term Macedonia or "Republic of Macedonia" to refer to its northern neighbour after its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991;[2] the Greek government opposed the use of the name without any qualification such as 'Republic of Northern Macedonia' to the post-1991 constitutional name of its northern neighbour,[2] citing historical and territorial concerns resulting from the ambiguity between the terms Republic of Macedonia, the Greek region of Macedonia and the ancient kingdom of Macedon,[2] which falls within Greek Macedonia.

Greece also objected to the use of the terms "Macedonian" to denote ethnic Macedonians and the Macedonian language,[2] as these terms have a different meaning in Greece (inhabitants of the Greek region of Macedonia and the Macedonian dialect of Greek); the dispute has escalated to the highest level of international mediation, involving numerous attempts to achieve a resolution, notably by the United Nations.

The provisional reference the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)[3] was used in relations involving states which do not recognise the constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Nevertheless, all the United Nations member-states have agreed to accept any final agreement resulting from negotiations between the two countries; the dispute has not prevented the two countries from enjoying close trade links and investment levels (especially from Greece), but it has generated a great deal of political and academic debate on both sides.

On 13 September 1995 the two countries signed the Interim Accord,[3] whereby Greece recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its provisional reference;[3] as of August 2011 negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute are ongoing. Under Greek pressure, the European Union and NATO agreed that in order for the Republic of Macedonia to receive an invitation to join these institutions the name dispute must be resolved first;[4][5][6] this resulted in a case at the International Court of Justice against Greece for violation of the Interim Accord.[7] The Court deemed Greece was wrong to block its neighbour's bid to join NATO.[8] No penalties were imposed[9] but the result made it politically more difficult for Greece to object to any of its neighbour's future applications to either NATO or the EU.

On 12 June 2018 the Prespes agreement was signed between the two countries which changed the constitutional name of "Macedonia" to Republic of North Macedonia. Opposition arose in both countries but in the end the agreement was mutually ratified; the Prespes agreement went into force 12 February 2019. Greece officially endorsed North Macedonia's accession to NATO on 15 February 2019, being the first country in the defense alliance to do so.[10]

Cyprus dispute[edit]

Main article: Cyprus dispute
A map of divided Cyprus.
Embassy of Greece in Nicosia, Cyprus

As the island of Cyprus was heading towards independence from the United Kingdom the Greek (82%) and Turkish (18%) communities became embroiled in bitter inter-communal fighting, partly sponsored by the two "motherlands". EOKA-B and the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) were responsible for many atrocities which resulted in cementing tensions and led to total isolation of the communities with Turkish Cypriots withdrawn into enclaves.

In 1974 the US-backed Greek junta – in power since 1967 – partly in a move to draw attention away from internal turmoil and partly unsatisfied with Makarios' policy in Cyprus, on 15 July attempted a coup to replace him with Nikos Sampson and declare union with Greece. Seven days later, Turkey launched an invasion of Cyprus allegedly to reinstate the constitution but which resulted in blooded conflict, partition of the island and mass ethnic cleansing; the overwhelming Turkish land, naval and air superiority against island's weak defenses led to the bringing of 37% of the land under Turkish control.

170,000 Greek Cypriots were evicted from their homes in the north with 50,000 Turks following the opposite path concluding the de facto division of Cyprus. In 1983 Turkish Cypriots proclaimed independence unilaterally with only Turkey recognizing them; as of today the north is under an embargo as a measure against the illegal partition of the island.

Ever since both countries along with the two communities of the island are engages into a vicious cycle of negotiations which led to little. In 2004 the Annan Plan for Cyprus was put to vote but whilst it was accepted by the north, it was rejected by the Greek-Cypriots as it meant in their eyes, endorsing a confederal state with a weak central government and considerable local autonomy; the Republic of Cyprus is a constitutional democracy which has reached great levels of prosperity, with a booming economy and good infrastructures, part of the United Nations, European Union and several others organizations by whom it is recognized as the sole legitimate government of the whole island.

Greece calls for the removal of Turkish troops from Cyprus and the restoration of a unified state; the Republic of Cyprus is receiving strong support from Greece in international forums with the latter maintaining a military contingent on the island, and Greek officers filling key positions in the Cypriot National Guard.

Aegean claims by Turkey[edit]

Main article: Aegean dispute

Other issues dividing Greece and Turkey involve the delimitation of the continental shelf in the Aegean Sea, territorial waters and airspace. In March 1987 a dispute concerning oil drilling rights, almost led to war between the countries with Greece advocating the dispute to be decided by the International Court of Justice. In early 1988, the Turkish and Greek Prime Ministers met at Davos, Switzerland, and later in Brussels, they agreed on various measures to reduce bilateral tensions and to encourage cooperation.

Tensions over the Aegean Sea surfaced again in November 1994, when Greece claimed under the Law of the Sea Treaty, which Turkey has not signed, that it reserved the right to declare an expansion of its continental shelf from 6 to 12 nautical miles (11–22 km; 7–14 mi) around its Aegean islands. Turkey which has itself expanded its continental shelf in the Black Sea shore, stated that it would consider any such action a cause for war. New technical-level bilateral discussions began in 1994 but soon fizzled-out.

In January 1996, Greece and Turkey came close to an armed confrontation over the question of which country had sovereignty over an islet in the Aegean. In July 1997, on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Madrid, Greek and Turkish leaders reached agreement on six principles to govern their bilateral relations. Within a few months, however, the two countries were again at odds over Aegean airspace and sovereignty issues. Tensions remained high for months, although various confidence-building measures were discussed to reduce the risk of military accidents or conflict in the Aegean, under the auspices of the NATO Secretary General.

Turkey and the EU[edit]

Main article: Accession of Turkey to the European Union

Greece has come out in support of Turkey's bid for European Union membership,[11] and supports its full integration to the union when conditions for its acceptance are met. On 6 May 2004, Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan became the first Turkish leader to visit Greece in fifty years.[12] On 24 January 2008, Greece's premier Costas Karamanlis visited Turkey a full 48 years after the last Greek premier and uncle of his Constantine Karamanlis had visited the neighboring country.

Turkish government arson admission[edit]

On Monday 23 December 2011, in an interview on Turkish newspaper BirGün discussing secret budgets, former Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz admitted that Turkish secret agents intentionally started forest fires in Greece between 1995 and 1997 during the Prime Ministership of Tansu Çiller as part of state-sponsored sabotage, resulting in huge damage caused by major forest fires on the islands of the eastern Aegean and in Macedonia. Mesut Yılmaz's admission sparked political outrage in Greece on Monday, causing Greece's Foreign Ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras to say that the claims were "serious and must be investigated," adding that Athens was awaiting a briefing from Ankara. Conservative New Democracy's shadow foreign minister Panos Panayiotopoulos said the revelations "cast heavy shadows over Greek-Turkish relations" and called on Turkey recompense Greece for losses incurred.[13][14]

Following an official complaint from Greece on 24 December seeking clarification over comments by former Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz relating to forest fires in Greece in the mid-1990s, the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, Stavros Dimas and Ahmet Davutoğlu, spoke on Wednesday 28 December. Dimas stressed how important it was that Ankara investigate the claims that in the past Turkey's intelligence services paid arsonists to set fire to forests in Greece. In addition to Greek Foreign Ministry meetings with Turkish officials, Greece's Supreme Court prosecutor Yiannis Tentes launched an emergency inquiry on 27 December, ordering the investigations into the mid-1990s wildfires blamed on arson to be reopened with regard to the initial claims reportedly made by Yılmaz.[15]

Former head of Greek intelligence service Leonidas Vasilikopoulos said they had received information from their agents in Turkey that Turkish agents or others were involved in the forest fires on Greek islands.[16] After making the comments in Turkish daily newspaper BirGün, Yilmaz said that his words had been distorted and that he was referring to Greek agents causing fires in Turkey.[17] However, on Thursday 29, Turkish daily Milliyet published an article referring to a secret report that seemed to support claims made in the interview by Mesut Yılmaz that secret agents had caused forest fires in Greece in the 1990s. According to Milliyet, an associate of Yılmaz's, Kutlu Savas, compiled a 12-page report that detailed the actions of Turkish agents in Greece, it described how the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey (MIT) had formed two teams: one which carried out bombings at tourist sites on Crete and other parts of Greece and another which was responsible for starting the wildfires. An attack on an army camp in Lamia, central Greece, is also mentioned.[18]

Bilateral relations[edit]

Africa[edit]

Greece enjoys close historic relations with many members of the African Union, such as South Africa, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Country Formal relations began Notes
 Algeria
  • Relations between the two countries have been traditionally friendly since Algeria's first years of independence.
  • Greece maintains an embassy in Algiers[19]
  • Algeria is represented in Greece by its embassy in Athens.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
 Botswana

Greece is repreented in Namibia through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, and Namibia is represented in Greece through its embassy in London, United Kingdom.[20]

 Democratic Republic of the Congo See Democratic Republic of the Congo – Greece relations
 Egypt see Egypt-Greece relations

Both countries share relations since the years BC with the creation of Alexandria by Alexander the Great. Egypt has had a sizable Greek community which is mostly centered around Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city and the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. In the modern era, both countries enjoy very good and warm diplomatic relations since 1833 and especially after the Greek War of Independence, and both countries have signed several defense cooperation agreements, with the heads of states visiting each other in a regular basis.

  • Egypt is represented in Greece by its embassy in Athens and general consulate in Thessalonica.
  • Greece is represented in Egypt by its embassy in Cairo and general consulate in Alexandria.
  • Sizable communities of Greeks live in Egypt (Alexandria) and Egyptians in Greece (Patras, Athens).
  • Greece and Egypt signed bilateral agreements for trade, tourism and defense cooperations.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
 Ethiopia See Ethiopia–Greece relations
  • Ethiopia is accredited to Greece from its embassy in Rome, Italy.
  • Greece has an embassy in Addis Ababa.
 Kenya See Greece–Kenya relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya is accredited to Greece from its embassy in Rome, Italy.
 Lesotho
 Libya 1952
 Madagascar
  • Greece is represented in Madagascar through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[23]
  • Madagascar is represented in Greece through its embassy in Rome, Italy.[24]
 Malawi
 Mauritius
  • Greece is represented in Mauritius through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[27]
  • Mauritius is represented in Greece through its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.[27]
 Morocco
 Namibia
  • Greece is represented in Namibia through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[28]
  • Namibia is represented in Greece through its embassy in London, England and an honorary consulate in Athens.[28]
 Nigeria see Greece-Nigeria relations

Nigeria has an embassy in Athens.[29] Greece established a diplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1970, and today has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate in Lagos. Trade between the two countries is imbalanced, with imports from Greece to Nigeria exceeding exports. Greek-owned tankers have an important role in shipping Nigerian oil and natural gas, its main exports. Recently a Greek tanker was involved a dispute over crude oil smuggling.[30] Greek-controlled companies have invested US$5 billion in the Nigerian economy. There is a small Greek business community in Lagos.[31]

 Seychelles
  • Greece is represented in Seychelles through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[32]
  • Seychelles is represented in Greece through its embassy in Paris, France.[32]

Greece-Somalia relations

 Somalia
  • Greece represented in Somalia via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Khartoum, Sudan.[33]
 South Africa
 Sudan

Greece and Sudan have long enjoyed a very cordial and friendly relationship spanning decades; the two countries enjoy strong and productive relations in the areas of diplomacy, economic reciprocity, and also there are large concentrations of Sudanese (both students and immigrants) in Greece, and numerous Greek nationals who have resided in Sudan since the early 20th century. The two countries are on very good terms with each other, notwithstanding Sudan's close ties with Greece's historical rival, Turkey. Greece has an embassy in Khartoum, whilst Sudan is represented in Greece through the parallel accreditation of its embassy in Athens; the Hellenic country also deeply supports peaceful stability in Sudan's western region, Darfur.

 Swaziland
  • Greece is represented in Swaziland via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[36]
  • Swaziland is represented in Greece through its embassy in London.[37]
 Tunisia See Greece-Tunisia relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Tunis.[38]
  • Tunisia has an embassy in Athens.[38]
 Zambia
 Zimbabwe see Greece-Zimbabwe relations

Greece has an embassy in Harare. Due to the economic situation, Zimbabwe has neither an embassy nor an honorary consulate in Greece.[41]


The Americas[edit]

Country Formal relations began Notes
 Argentina see Argentina–Greece relations

Both countries are represented by an embassy in the other one's capital. At least 30,000 persons of Greek descent live in Argentina with about 5,000 with Greek passports; the majority of Greeks live in Buenos Aires.[42]

  • Argentina has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Buenos Aires.
 Belize
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1986.[43]
  • Belize's embassy in Mexico has parallel accreditation for Greece. Belize has an honorary consulate in Athens since 1992.[44][45]
  • Greece does not have any representation in Belize, its embassy in Mexico is also accredited to Belize.[46]
 Brazil See Greece-Brazil relations
  • In addition to its embassy in Brasília, Greece has two general consulates in (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) and four honorary consulates.
  • Brazil has an embassy in Athens.
 Canada 1942 See Canada–Greece relations
 Chile see Chile–Greece relations
  • Chile has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Santiago.
 Colombia 1942
  • Colombia is represented in Greece through its embassy in Rome (Italy) and counts with an honorary consulate in Thessaloniki (Greece).
  • Greece is represented in Colombia through its embassy in Caracas (Venezuela) and counts with an honorary consulate in Bogotá (Colombia).
  • Greece is the 13th largest trade partner of Colombia in the European Union.[47]
 Cuba See Cuba–Greece relations
  • Cuba has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Havana.
 Dominica 2005[48]

Diplomatic relations were established on 15 November 2005. Greece is represented in Dominica via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Caracas. Dominica has appointed an ambassador accredited to Greece, based in Roseau, Dominica.[48]

 Guyana 1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1979.[49]
  • Greece is represented in Guyana by its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela.[50]
  • Greece has provided Guyana with development aid in the past.[50]
 Mexico 17 May 1938 See Greece-Mexico relations
 Nicaragua see Greece-Nicaragua relations

Greece–Nicaragua relations are foreign relations between Greece and Nicaragua. Diplomatic relations were officially established on 2 July 1965.[1] Greece is represented in Nicaragua through its embassy in Mexico City.[1] Nicaragua is represented in Greece through its embassy in Rome.

 Panama 1956

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 May 1956.[53]

 Peru 1966 See Greece–Peru relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966.[54]
  • In 1992, Greece opened an embassy in Lima.
  • Peru has an embassy in Athens.
 United States see Greece–United States relations

The United States and Greece have long-standing historical, political, and cultural ties based on the shared democratic values, history of Greek immigration to the States and participation as Allies during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Previously, the US helped the reconstruction of post-war Greece through the Marshall plan and various other aids culminating at about $11.1 billion in economic and security assistance since 1946. The current mutual defense cooperation agreement (MDCA) provides for continued U.S. military assistance to Greece and the operation by the U.S. of a military facility at Souda Bay, Crete.

About three million Americans are of Greek ancestry.[55] Greek-Americans are an established, well-organized community in the U.S. (several notable politicians, including former Vice-President Spiro Agnew, and Senators Olympia Snowe and Paul Sarbanes are of Greek ancestry), and they help cultivate close political and cultural ties with Greece. Greece has the seventh-largest population of U.S. Social Security beneficiaries in the world.

However, there is also a strong sentiment against USA policies towards Greece and the Balkans in general. Critics also charge the United States for supporting the 1967–1974 military junta in Greece, a fact that was acknowledged by Bill Clinton in his visit to Athens "When the junta took over in 1967 here, the United States allowed its interests in prosecuting the Cold War to prevail over its interests – I should say its obligation – to support democracy, which was, after all, the cause for which we fought the Cold War. It is important that we acknowledge that."

This American support for the military regime led to left-wing terrorist groups, most notably 17 November, attacking US targets such as the killing of the Central Intelligence Agency's station chief in Athens, Richard Welch in 1975; the populist PASOK leader Andreas Papandreou had also a very strong anti-Western rhetoric, fueling the negative sentiments towards USA, even though it wasn't followed by actions.

The backing of Turkish invasion of Cyprus by Henry Kissinger, the Kosovo war and the invasion of Iraq[56] have tarnished the image of the United States in the eyes of their European ally. More recently, the strong support of President George W. Bush towards the Republic of Macedonia in the naming dispute, evident in his recognition of the state as Macedonia in 2004 and in his full backing to the country's accession to NATO further tarnished America's image.

 Uruguay See Greece–Uruguay relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Montevideo.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in Athens.
 Venezuela See Greece–Venezuela relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Caracas.
  • Venezuela has an embassy in Athens.

Asia[edit]

Greece has a special interest in Middle East and North Africa because of its geographic position and its economic and historic ties to the area; the country cooperated with allied forces during the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Since 1994, Greece has signed defense cooperation agreements with Israel and Egypt and in recent years, Greek leaders have made numerous trips to the region in order to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage the Middle East Peace Process. In July 1997, December 1997, and July 1998 Greece hosted meetings of Israeli and Palestinian politicians to contribute to the peace process. Greece also maintains diplomatic relations with the General Palestinian Delegation while enjoying cordial relations with Syria.

Country Formal relations began Notes

Greece-Afghanistan relations

 Afghanistan 2004[57] See Afghanistan–Greece relations
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 2004.[57]
  • Afghanistan has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece is represented in Afghanistan through its embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.[57]
 Armenia 21 September 1991 see Armenia–Greece relations

Greece was one of the first countries to recognize Armenia's independence on 21 September 1991 and one of those that have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. Since the independence of Armenia the two countries have been partners within the framework of international organizations (United Nations, OSCE, Council of Europe, BSEC), whilst Greece firmly supports the community programs aimed at further developing relations between the EU and Armenia.

Continuous visits of the highest level have shown that both countries want to continue to improve the levels of friendship and cooperation (Visit by the President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossian to Greece in 1996, visit by the President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos in 1999, visit by the President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to Greece in 2000 and 2005 and visit by Greek president Karolos Papoulias to Armenia in June 2007).

Greece is, after Russia, the major military partner of Armenia. Armenian officers are trained in Greek military academies, and various technical assistance is supplied by Greece. Since 2003, an Armenian platoon has been deployed in Kosovo as part of KFOR, where they operate as a part of the Greek battalion of KFOR.

 Azerbaijan 1992 see Azerbaijan–Greece relations

Azerbaijan-Greece relations today are friendly; each state maintains a full embassy, Azerbaijan in Athens and Greece in Baku. Recently in February 2009, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited Greece in order to boost bilateral relations;[58] the leader met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, as well as the Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.[58] At the meeting between the officials, the two nations agreed that they must work more closely to get Azeri gas into Greece to help ease recent security issues.[59][60]

In the past the two nations have made many deals related to the oil industry. In 2007 Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas signed a "memorandum of cooperation" in the sectors of natural gas and oil while in Baku.[61][62] Sioufas referred to this memorandum as a "new page in economic and energy relations of the two countries."[62] Greece supports Azerbaijan's bid to join to European Union and is the first EU member that wanted directly gas important from Azerbaijan.[63]

 Bahrain 28 August 1973
 Burma
 Cambodia
 China 6 June 1972 see China–Greece relations
  • China has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Beijing.
 India 1950 see Greece-India relations
  • Greece has an embassy in New Delhi.
  • India has an embassy in Athens.
 Indonesia 1960s
 Iran See Greece–Iran relations
Cartoon on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and the then-ruling Qajar dynasty of Persia in 1902
  • Relations between the two people date back from the antiquity and before Persian invasion of Greece. There is also the report of Strabo of an Athenian delegation to Persia in 432 BC;[66] the relations have evolved from sworn rivalry during the Greco-Persian wars to strong cordiality. Alexander the Great defeated the Persian empire and the country was put under Greek rule for approx. 70 years until they were defeated by Parthians (another group of Iranian people) and pushed backed from Persia to their homeland.
  • Greece has an embassy in Tehran
  • Iran is represented by her embassy in Athens.[67]
  • Greek Ministry of Foreign Affaires about relations with Iran
  • Greece and the United States embassy have conversed regarding the combined military attitude towards the country. Read about it in this Wikileaks article [23]
 Iraq see Greece-Iraq relations, Greece–Kurdistan Region relations

Relations of the Greek and Iraqi peoples are deeply rooted in history, both have developed cultures that have influenced the course of humanity, they date as far back as when Alexander the Great ruled Mesopotamia (which name is of Greek origin, meaning "the land between two rivers") and eventually died in Babylon, Iraq. Greece firmly and consistently supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq. Greece traditionally maintained good and friendly relations with Iraq due to strong historical and cultural bonds, dating back to ancient times.[68]

Greece has an embassy in Baghdad, and Iraq is represented by her embassy in Athens.

 Israel see Greece–Israel relations
  • Since 1990, diplomatic relations between the two countries were upgraded from diplomatic pepresentation to embassy-level.
  • Greece is represented in Israel through its embassy in Tel Aviv, its consulate general in Jerusalem, and an honorary consulate in Haifa.
  • Israel is represented in Greece through its embassy in Athens.
 Japan 1899 see Greece–Japan relations
  • There has been a Greek embassy in Tokyo since 1960
  • The Japanese Embassy in Athens opened in 1960, when it was decided to upgrade the Japanese Consulate which had opened in 1956.
  • Since then the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations in all fields, and cooperate closely.[69]
 Kazakhstan 1 October 1992 See Greece–Kazakhstan relations
 Kyrgyzstan see Greece-Kyrgyzstan relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.[70] Greece is represented in Kyrgyzstan through its embassy in Almaty (Kazakhstan). Kyrgyzstan is represented in Greece through a non-resident ambassador based in Bishkek (in the Foreign Ministry). Kyrgyz consular representation in Greece is made by the Kazakh consulate in Athens.
  • On 1 November 2004, Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev made an official visit to Greece.[71][72] A Foreign Ministry delegation from Greece visited Dushanbe for talks, and had meetings with Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Zarifi and First Deputy Foreign Minister Youldashev in 2008. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis met with Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Zarifi during the 1st EU-Central Asia Forum on security issues in Paris in September 2008.[70]
  • There are between 650 and 700 people of Greek descent living in Kyrgyzstan.[73] However, the data of the General Secretariat For Greeks Abroad give an even lower number (50 people).[74]
  • In 2004 Greece and Kyrgyzstan signed a bilateral agreement for air transports, tourism and diplomacy during Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev's visit to Greece.[75][76]
 Lebanon see Greece–Lebanon relations

The relation between both people dates back to early antiquity, with the early trading activities between the ancient Greeks and the Phoenicians. In modern times, Greek-Lebanese bilateral relations are very good at all levels. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Francophonie.

  • Greece has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Athens.
 Malaysia see Greece–Malaysia relations
 Maldives 6 December 1983
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 December 1983.[78]
  • Greece is represented in Sri Lanka by its embassy in New Delhi, India.[79]
  • Maldives have an honorary consulate in Athens.[80]
 Mongolia 21 February 1986
 North Korea 8 March 2001[81]
 Pakistan See Greece–Pakistan relations

In modern times, Pakistan's first embassy in Athens was opened in 1975. Greece established an embassy in Islamabad in 1987. There are around 32,500 Pakistani people living and working in Greece. However, Islamabad has stated it will not accept Greek sovereignty over Cyprus and it should withdraw its bulk of armed forces from the southern part of the island to restore the independence of the Cypriots, which it continues to have diplomatic relations with Nicosia.

 Palestine See Greece–Palestine relations
  • Bilateral relations between Greece and Palestine do not currently exist
  • Greece does not support Palestine, since it currently does not recognize its declaration of independence
 Philippines
 Qatar 1973 see Greece–Qatar relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Doha which opened in 2007.
  • Qatar has an embassy in Athens which opened in 2008.[83]
 Saudi Arabia
 Singapore
  • The Greek embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, is also accredited to Singapore.
  • Singapore's embassy in Berlin, Germany, is also accredited to Greece. Singapore has an honorary consulate in Athens.
  • In consular affairs Greek interests are represented by the French Embassy in Singapore. There is also a special Port Consular Office in Singapore, which looks after the interests of Greek shipping companies, as well as an honorary consulate.
  • Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry about relations with Singapore
 South Korea 5 April 1961[84] See Greek-South Korean relations
  • The establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) began on 5 April 1961.
  • Greece sent an expeditionary force as part of the United Nations Command to help the South Koreans (ROK) against the North Koreans (DPRK) during the Korean War.
  • The Republic of Korea opened its embassy in Athens, Greece on 6 July 1973.[85]
  • Greece opened its embassy in Seoul in October 1991.[86][87]
 Sri Lanka 1957
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1957[88]
  • Greece is represented in Sri Lanka by its embassy in New Delhi, India.[89]
  • Sri Lanka is represented in Greece by its embassy in Rome, Italy.[88][90]
 Syria
 Thailand 26 May 1958
  • The Greek Embassy in Bangkok was opened in November 1989.
  • Thailand has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Thailand[92]
  • Thai embassy in Athens[93]
  • Thai deputy premier, UN sec. gen. candidate, meets with premier Karamanlis[94]
 Turkey see above, and see Greece-Turkey relations

After more than a century of strained relations and intermittent fighting, Greece and Turkey agreed under the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) to a population exchange as an attempt to reduce tensions between the two countries in the future. A significant 300,000 strong Greek community in Istanbul and a 100,000 Muslim one in Western Thrace were excluded from the transfer, with each one supposed to be working as counter-weights to any anti-minority policy that either Turkey or Greece may sought to apply in the future, however that counter-weight came to an end before the Cyprus dispute because of the Varlik Vergisi and Istanbul pogrom.

In 1942 a wealth tax called the Varlık Vergisi was imposed on non-Muslims including Greeks, this resulted in financial ruin for many Greeks and another exodus of Greeks from Anatolia once World War II had come to an end. Again in 1955 an anti-Greek Istanbul pogrom was initiated by Turkish mobs against the Greek community of Istanbul, which led to the final gradual extinction of the Greek community in Anatolia; these two events were a major factor when the Cyprus problem surfaced as Greece and Turkey nearly came to a full-out war after Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. Similar disputes occurred for the islands of Imbros and Tenedos. Up to late 1990s strained relations almost led to an open war in 1974, 1987 and 1996. Since the earthquake diplomacy in 1999 relations have once again begun improving.

 United Arab Emirates 1971
 Vietnam April 1975

Europe[edit]

Country Formal relations began Notes
 Albania 1912, 1971 and 1991 see Albania–Greece relations

Greece and Albania – even though diplomatic relations were restored in 1971[95][96] – normalized relations only in 1987 as till then both countries were officially – in a cease-fire – but nevertheless under the state of war since Albania and Italy had declared war on Greece on 28 October 1940. During rule of dictator Enver Hoxha relations were strained because of the part that Albania played during World War II against Greece and also because of the material help that they provided to Greek communists during the Greek civil war. In addition there was controversy about the treatment of the Greek minority in southern Albania and the Cham issue.

After the fall of the Albanian socialist regime in 1991, relations between the two countries got better but soon begun to deteriorate with accusations about mistreatment of minorities vice versa. To the latter problem it was added the widespread phenomenon of waves of illegal immigration from Albania towards Greece. High criminality numbers from one hand and alleged police brutality from the other became familiar subjects on the news of both neighbors, increasing eventually tensions. According to official Greek data around 450,000 Albanian immigrants work in Greece and it is believed the number will almost double if illegal immigrants are accounted too; this is a brand new situation, for both countries as Greece for the first time become a destination country for immigrants and Albanians for the first time got out of their country after the total isolation that the communist regime had imposed.

Today, relations between the two countries are very close and are regarded as excellent, and, at the Albanian Government's request, about 250 Greek military personnel are stationed in Albania to assist with the training and restructuring the Albanian Armed Forces. Albania's economy is overdependent to the money immigrants from Greece sent back home, while Greece is the second larger trading partner, with more than US$400 million worth of investments. Moreover, Greek products account for 21% of Albania's imports, with Greece absorbing 12% of its neighboring country's exports.[97] At the same time, low cost labor from Albania propelled the growth of the Greek economy, especially in the construction and agriculture sectors. Albania is home to 300,000 or more Greeks, with about 650,000 Greeks in total being linked to Albania[98] while between 400,000–600,000 Albanians live and work in Greece, the vast majority of them post-1991 economic migrants.

  • Albania is home to a considerable Greek community, both migrants and indigenous minority – number varies from 300–500,000 with 650,000 in total including North Epirus Greeks in Greece, USA and Australia.[99]
  • Greece is home to just under a million Albanians (some sources say 600,000, whilst other Greek organisations claim 900,000 with illegal migrants and overstayers).
  • The Arvanitika are a Tosk dialect traditionally spoken by the Arvanites, a population group in Greece. Arvanitika is today an endangered language, as its speakers have been shifting to the use of Greek and most younger members of the community no longer speak it.[100]
  • Greece is Albania's most important European Union ally and partner.[101]
  • Relations since the election victory of Edi Rama in 2013 have seen massive improvement and warming of relations between the two nations.[102]
  • The Archbishop of Albania is Greek[103]
  • There are many cultural, political, historical and biological similarities and shared kinship between the Albanian and Greek peoples.[104][105]
  • Greek is the second most spoken language in Albania, with a considerable size having knowledge of it.[106]
  • Albanian is the most common foreign/migrant language in Greece, although most Greeks do not have clear knowledge of it.[107]
  • Many organisations both political and societal exist in Albania and Greece promoting relations between the two nations.[108]
  • Albania is home to the largest number of Greek diaspora political and cultural organisations; there are 5 political parties and over a dozen organisations.[109]
  • As of 2014 both nations have described their relations as 'excellent' and Albania considered Greece one of its 'strongest and most important allies', both NATO nations have close relations nowadays.[110]
 Austria

Both countries have had diplomatic relation since the 19th century, after Greece's independence. Greece has an embassy in Vienna and an honorary consulate in Salzburg. Austria has an embassy in Athens and six honorary consulates (in Heraklion, Hermoupolis, Korfu, Patras, Rhodes and Thessaloniki). Both countries are full members of the European Union. There is also a Greek community living in Austria.

 Belarus 1992
 Belgium 1874
 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30 November 1995
 Bulgaria 1908 See Bulgaria–Greece relations

Since the Second World War, relations between Greece and Bulgaria have been flourishing, and as the Greek President Konstantinos Tsatsos said during the Bulgarian leader Todor Zhivkov's visit to Athens in April 1976, "the old controversies have been forgotten and the hatchet buried forever".[113] Greece became a firm supporter of Bulgaria's European Union membership and was the fifth EU member state and the first old member state to ratify the Accession Treaty.[114] Since Bulgaria joined NATO in May 2004, Greek-Bulgarian relations have been developing on all fronts, and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes relations between Greece and Bulgaria as "excellent".[114]

 Croatia
  • Croatia has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Zagreb.
 Cyprus see Cyprus–Greece relations
 Czech Republic 1 January 1993 see Czech Republic–Greece relations
  • Diplomatic relations between Greece and former Czechoslovakia were established in 1920 – after Czechoslovakia's foundation. * The Czech Republic and Greece established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.
  • Each country has an embassy in the other one capital.[116][117]
  • See also Greeks in the Czech Republic
 Denmark 21 May 1928 see Denmark–Greece relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Copenhagen.
 Estonia See Estonia–Greece relations
  • Estonia has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Tallinn.
 France 1833 see France–Greece relations
 Germany See Germany–Greece relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Athens.
  • Greece has an embassy in Berlin.
 Holy See 1980 see Greece–Holy See relations
  • The Holy See immediately set up its Apostolic Nunciature to Greece in Athens in 1980.
  • The Greek ambassador to the Holy See resided at first in Paris, where he was concurrently accredited to France; but in 1988 a separate Greek embassy to the Holy See, situated in Rome, was set up.
 Hungary 23 July 1956 See Greece–Hungary relations
 Iceland see Greece–Iceland relations
  • Greece is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.
  • Iceland is represented in Greece through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and through an honorary consulate in Athens.
 Ireland see Greece–Ireland relations
 Italy 1861 see Greece–Italy relations
 Latvia 23 May 1922 See Greece–Latvia relations
 Lithuania 7 January 1922 See Greece–Lithuania relations
 Luxembourg
 Malta
 Montenegro 18 December 2006
 Moldova 27 March 1992 see Greece–Moldova relations
  • Diplomatic relations between Greece and Moldova were established 27 March 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union
  • Greece is represented in Moldova through its honorary consulate in Chișinău and its embassy in Kiev.
  • Moldova is represented in Greece through its embassy in Athens, opened in 2003.[126]
  • See also Moldovan Embassy, Athens
 North Macedonia 13 September 1995[3]
See also: Macedonia naming dispute
  • Greece imposed a trade embargo on North Macedonia between 1994 and 1995.
  • Formal relations between the two countries began when Greece recognized the then Republic of Macedonia as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on 13 September 1995.[3]
  • Greece is represented in the Republic of North Macedonia through its Embassy in Skopje and its Consulate General in Bitola.[127]
  • The Republic of North Macedonia is represented in Greece through its Embassy in Athens and its Consulate General in Thessaloniki.[128]
  • The two countries were involved in a naming dispute (see above until the Prespa Agreement was signed in 2018 and ratified by both countries in 2019).
  • Greece fully supports North Macedonia's candidacy for membership in NATO and the EU.
 Norway see Greece–Norway relations
 Poland 1919 see Greece-Poland relations
 Portugal
 Romania see Greece–Romania relations

Diplomatic relations were established on 20 February 1880, at the legation level, and were raised to embassy-level on 1 January 1939. There has been a Greek presence in Romania for at least 27 centuries.

  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, of the European Union and NATO.
 Russia 1828 see Greece–Russia relations

Diplomatic relations were established in 1828. Greece has an embassy in Moscow, and two general consulates (Saint Petersburg and Novorossiysk). Russia has an embassy in Athens, a general consulate in Thessaloniki and in 2012 announced to open honorary consulate in Alexandroupolis. Greece also opened another consulate general in Yekaterinburg. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.[71]

Despite historical sentiments of cultural and religious affinity between the two peoples, the countries′ official relationship has largely been adverse. Russia and Greece share stance on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. Relations deteriorated drastically in the summer of 2018.[132]

 Serbia 1878 see Greece–Serbia relations

The two nations are traditionally, historically, religiously and culturally close and their friendly relations are confirmed by a regular political dialogue. Greece is supporting quick implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the EU and Serbia and easing visa regime EU towards Serbia. Greece is among the states that have not recognized the Kosovo Unilateral Declaration of Independence.

Greece is one of the most important economic investors in Serbia, mainly in financial, telecommunication, energy and construction sector. Greece will participate in financing construction of the Corridor 10 highway in Serbia with 100 mil. EUR in total which is a part of its Hellenic Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans.

 Slovakia 1 January 1993
 Slovenia July 1992
 Spain See Greece–Spain relations
 Sweden See Greece–Sweden relations
 Ukraine 1992
 United Kingdom see Greece–United Kingdom relations
  • Greece has an embassy in London and honorary consulates in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, Glasgow and Leeds.[138]
  • The United Kingdom has an embassy in Athens and a Honorary Vice Consulate in Patras. The United Kingdom also has honorary consulates in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Zakynthos.[139][140]

The two countries were also allies during both World Wars and the Korean War, and they continue to maintain an overall cordial relationship to the present day.

Australia and Oceania[edit]

Country Formal relations began Notes
 Australia See Australia–Greece relations

Relations between the two states are close: both country were allies during both World Wars, there are a large Greek community in Australia (dating back from the 1950s and 1960s). Both countries have an embassy in the each other's capital. Greece also has consulates general in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as a consulate in Perth, honorary consulates general in Brisbane and Darwin, and honorary consulates in Newcastle and Hobart.

 Fiji 1978[141]
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1978.[141]
  • Fiji is represented in Greece through its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.[141]
  • Greece is represented in Fiji through its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand[141] and an honorary consulate in Suva.[142]
 Nauru

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1984[143].

 New Zealand see Greece–New Zealand relations

In 1999, Greece opened an embassy in Wellington; however, it has since closed and Greece is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia. There is a Greek Honorary Consulate in Auckland.

As part of an effort to redeploy resources in Europe, New Zealand closed its embassy in Athens in 1991, since when it has been represented in Greece through its embassy in Rome, Italy which is accredited accordingly, it does still retain an honorary consulate general in Athens.

On the level of political cooperation, the two countries have a like-minded approach to international crises and current issues of international interest. There is particularly close cooperation in offering mutual support within international organizations, such as the Human Rights Commission, the Universal Postal Union, etc. New Zealand also supported Greece's candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council.

The prevailing climate in political relations between Greece and New Zealand was demonstrated in 2002 by the visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic to Wellington, which confirmed the excellent state of relations between the two countries.

 Samoa 3 April 1981

Both countries established diplomatic relations on April 3, 1981[144][145].

 Solomon Islands
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1987.[146]
  • Greece is represented in the Solomon Islands via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Canberra, Australia.[147]
 Tonga 1984[148]
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1984.[148]
  • Greece is represented in Tonga through its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.[148]

Terms[edit]

Northern Epirus[edit]

Main article: Northern Epirus
A map of the traditional Greek presence in Northern Epirus (in blue).

Northern Epirus is the name used generally by Greeks to refer to the southern part of Albania, home to a Greek minority[149] which after 1989 keeps reducing due to immigration to Greece; the Greek minority was subject to oppression and harassment during Enver Hoxha's communist rule and along with the rest of Albanians was hit hardly by the isolation that the regime imposed and from the economic hardship that followed the fall of communism as well. The treatment of the minority by the Albanian government is strongly linked with the status of Greco-Albanian relations.

The Greek minority is organized under the Unity for Human Rights Party which is the continuation of the former banned party called "Omonoia" (Unity in Greek) and has since 1997 joined the Socialist coalition. At the last elections the Greek minority party received 4.1% of the vote and two seats in parliament. The party leader is Vangjel Dule, while party member Vasilis Bolanos is the current mayor of the town of Himara; the party is represented in the ELDR group in the Council of Europe. Strong Greek presence exists in Gjirokastër (Argyrocastro), Korçë (Korytsa), Sarandë (Ag.Saranta), Himara (Xeimara) and the nearby areas; the former CIA director George J. Tenet, Pyrros Dimas, Sotiris Ninis and former Greek president Kostis Stefanopoulos have ancestral links to the Greek minority.

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople[edit]

See also: Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and Halki seminary
The entrance of the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George in the Phanar district.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, protected under the treaty of Lausanne is a point of controversy between Greece and Turkey as the latter refuses to recognize the Ecumenical character of the Patriarchate thus requiring the Patriarch himself to be a Turkish citizen. Moreover, the biggest part of the Patriarchate's property – known as Vakoufia – had been confiscated by Turkish authorities and the Theological school of Halki which is the traditional school out of which the Eastern Orthodox Church, draws its clergy is closed since 1971. To no avail numerous Greek, European Union and USA officials have criticized Turkey's attitude and even president Bill Clinton during his visit in Greece asked for the theological school to open. During Greek prime-minister's Kostas Karamanlis historic visit to Turkey in 2007, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promised to reconsider his country's stance on the matter.

Black Sea[edit]

The Black Sea is a region heavily colonized by Greeks throughout history, it used to have a significant presence of Greeks up until the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Nowadays there remains Greek presence on the shores of Black Sea mainly in Mariupol (Ukraine), Crimea, Russia and Georgia despite emigration to Greece during and after the dissolution of Soviet Union. Today Greeks in the region are estimated to be around 215,000 according to official Greek diaspora figures. Greece is a founding member of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

International organization participation[edit]

Greece is a major participant in most large-scale international bodies, with the geographic significance of the region proving advantageous for diplomatic, trade and political crossroads.

BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, NATO, OECD, OSCE, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO.

Greece was elected by the United Nations General Assembly to the United Nations Security Council, on 15 October 2004, as a non-permanent member for 2005 and 2006.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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  136. ^ "Ýëåêòðîííàÿ áèáëèîòåêà LibOk.Net – ÷èòàòü è ñêà÷àòü êíèãè áåñïëàòíî". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  137. ^ "Посольство України у Грецькій Республіці". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
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  142. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji
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  144. ^ [19]
  145. ^ [20]
  146. ^ [21]
  147. ^ [22]
  148. ^ a b c Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece
  149. ^ Country Studies US: Greeks and Other Minorities

Further reading[edit]

  • Economides, Spyros (March 2005). "The Europeanisation of Greek Foreign Policy". West European Politics. 28 (2): 471–491. doi:10.1080/01402380500060528.

External links[edit]

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