Foreign relations of Greece

Foreign relations of Greece
Greece

This article is part of the series:
Politics and government of
Greece

Other countries · Atlas
Politics portal
view · talk · edit

Prominent issues in Greek foreign policy include the enduring dispute over Cyprus and differences with Turkey over the Aegean, the dispute over the name of the Republic of Macedonia (recognized by Greece under the provisional denomination the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), and relations with the United States.

Contents

Overview

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 –      liaison office –      no representation –      Greece

fYROM

Main article: Macedonia naming dispute

Greece continues to reject the use of the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia to refer to the country.[2] The country opposes 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 objects 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] is still currently used in relations involving states which do not recognise the constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Nevertheless, all United Nations member-states have agreed to accept any final agreement resulting from negotiations between the two countries. The ongoing 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 the provisional UN name of fYROM.[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 institution 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] and a verdict is to be made public in the following months.[8]

Turkey

Main article: Greco-Turkish relations

After more than a century of strained relations and intercepted fighting Greece and Turkey agreed under the Treaty of Lausanne in 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. The good relations between the two neighbors lasted until mid-1950s when the Cyprus problem surfaced. In 1955 an anti-Greek Istanbul pogrom was initiated by Turkish mobs against the Greek community of Istanbul, which led to the gradual extinction of the community. Similar policies occurred in 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 began improving.

Cyprus dispute

Main article: Cyprus dispute
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 began embroiled to a 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 13 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 dispute

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 states, 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

Main article: Accession of Turkey to the European Union

Greece has come out in support of Turkey's bid for European Union membership,[9] 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.[10] 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.

Europe

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Albania see Albanian–Greek relations

Greece and Albania - even though diplomatic relations were restored in 1971[11][12] - 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 relatively good, 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 USD $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.[13] At the same time, low cost labor from Albania propelled the growth of the Greek economy, especially in the construction and agriculture sectors.
 Armenia 01991-09-2121 September 1991 see Armenian-Greek 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.
 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, Rhodos and Thessaloniki). Both countries are full members of the European Union. There is also a Greek community living in Austria.
 Azerbaijan 1992 see Azerbaijani-Greek relations

Azerbaijan-Greece relations have lasted for centuries and today are friendly.[14] The ties between both nations continued in the Byzantine period and the Hellenic community has been active in the Black Sea region throughout last centuries. 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.[15] The leader met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, as well as the Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.[15] 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.[16][17]

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.[18][19] Sioufas referred to this memorandum as a "new page in economic and energy relations of the two countries."[19] Greece supports Azerbaijan's bid to join to European Union and is the first EU member that wanted directly gas important from Azerbaijan.[20]
 Belarus 1992
 Belgium 1874
 Bosnia and Herzegovina 01995-11-3030 November 1995
 Bulgaria 1908 see Greco-Bulgarian 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".[23] 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.[24] 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".[24]
 Croatia see Foreign relations of Croatia
 Cyprus see Cyprus–Greece relations
 Czechoslovakia 01993-01-011 January 1993 see Czech–Greek relations
  • Diplomatic relations between Greece and former Czechoslovakia were established in 1920 - after Czechoslovakia’s foundation. * The Czech Republic and Greece establishes diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.
  • Each country has an embassy in the other one capital.[26][27]
  • See also Greeks in the Czech Republic
 Denmark 21 May 1928 see Danish-Greek relations
 Estonia see Foreign relations of Estonia
 France 1833 see Franco-Greek relations
  • The two countries share membership of the European Union and NATO and maintain Embassy level relations since 1833 (only three years after the Greek independence).[28][29][30][31]
  • They were allies during both World Wars, Korean War and have never been adversaries of each other.
  • See also Greeks in France
 Germany see Foreign relations of Germany
 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 01956-07-2323 July 1956
 Iceland see Greek–Icelandic relations
  • Greece is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavik.
  • 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 01922-05-2323 May 1922
 Lithuania 01922-01-077 January 1922
 Luxembourg
 Republic of Macedonia 13 September 1995[3]
See also: Macedonia naming dispute
  • Greece imposed a trade embargo on Macedonia between 1994 and 1995.
  • Formal relations between the two countries began when Greece recognized the Republic of Macedonia as fYROM on 13 September 1995.[3]
  • Greece is represented in the Republic of Macedonia through its liaison office and its consulate in Skopje as well as its consulate in Bitola.[33]
  • Macedonia is represented in Greece through its liaison office in Athens and its consulate in Thessaloniki.[34]
  • The two countries are involved in a naming dispute (see above).
 Malta
 Montenegro 02006-12-1818 December 2006
 Norway see Greece–Norway relations
 Poland 1919
 Portugal
 Romania see Greco–Romanian 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 Athens and a General Consulate in Thessaloniki. Greece also announced to open 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.[39]
 Serbia 1878 see Greek–Serbian 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 01993-01-011 January 1993
 Slovenia 01992-07-01July 1992
 Spain
 Sweden
 Turkey see above, and see Greco-Turkish relations
 Ukraine 1992
 United Kingdom see Greece – United Kingdom relations

The two countries share membership of the European Union and NATO, but the issue of the Elgin Marbles removed from the Parthenon by the Earl of Elgin in 1806 and still housed in the British Museum has not been resolved. 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.

Americas

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina see Argentine–Greek 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.[45]
 Brazil see Greco-Brazilian 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 1937
 Chile see Foreign relations of Chile
 Colombia see Foreign relations of Colombia
 Cuba see Cuba–Greece relations

Cuba has an embassy in Athens and Greece has an embassy in Havana.[46]
 Mexico
 United States see Greek – American 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.[47] 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 [48] 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 didn't do the United States' image in the country any good.

Middle East and North Africa

Greece has a special interest in the 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
 Algeria
  • Relations between the two countries have been traditionally friendly since Algeria's first years of independence.
  • Greece maintains an embassy in Algiers[49]
  • Algeria is represented in Greece by its embassy in Athens.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
 Bahrain 01973-08-2828 August 1973
 Egypt see Foreign relations of Egypt
 Iran
  • 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.[50] 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 ruled by rulers of Greek origin for a few 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.[51]
  • 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 [1]
 Iraq see Greece-Iraq 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.[52]

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 Representation 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.
 Lebanon see Greek–Lebanese 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. Greece has an embassy in Beirut and Lebanon has an embassy in Athens. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Francophonie.
 Libya 1952
  • Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back since 1952, when Libya’s independence was formally recognized by the UN.
  • Relations between the two countries have been traditionally friendly.
  • Greece has an embassy in Tripoli.
  • Libya is represented in Greece through its embassy in Athens.
  • Greek Foreign Affaires Ministry about relations with Libya
 Morocco
 Qatar 1973
  • Greece has an embassy in Doha which opened in 2007.
  • Qatar has an embassy in Athens which opened in 2008.[53]
 Saudi Arabia
 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. Also, both Greece and Sudan struggle with strained relations with Israel. 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.
 Syria
 United Arab Emirates 1971

Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Burma
 Cambodia
 India 1950 see Greek-Indian relations
 Indonesia 1960s
 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.[59]
 Kazakhstan 01992-10-011 October 1992
 Kyrgyzstan see Greece-Kyrgyzstan relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.[60] 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.[39][61] 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.[60]
  • There are between 650 and 700 people of Greek descent living in Kyrgyzstan.[62] However, the data of the General Secretariat For Greeks Abroad give an even lower number (50 people).[63]
  • In 2004 Greece and Kyrgyzstan signed a bilateral agreement for air transports, tourism and diplomacy during Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev's visit to Greece.[39][64]
 Malaysia see Greek – Malaysia relations
 Mongolia 01986-02-2121 February 1986
 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 soveriengty 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.
 People's Republic of China see Foreign relations of the People's Republic of China
 Philippines
 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 01961-04-055 April 1961
 Thailand 01958-05-2626 May 1958
 Vietnam 01975-04-01April 1975

Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Democratic Republic of the Congo see Democratic Republic of the Congo – Greece relations
 Nigeria see Greek-Nigerian relations

Nigeria has an embassy in Athens.[68] 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.[69] Greek-controlled companies have invested US$5 billion in the Nigerian economy. There is a small Greek business community in Lagos.[70]
 South Africa
 Zimbabwe see Greek-Zimbabwean relations

Greece has an embassy in Harare. Due to the economic situation, Zimbabwe has neither an embassy nor an honorary consulate in Greece.[73]

Oceania

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Australia

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.
 New Zealand see Greece – New Zealand relations

Since 1999 there has been a Greek Embassy in Wellington, also accredited to six island states in the Pacific. 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 which is accredited accordingly. It does still retain an Honorary Consulate General in Athens, however. There is also an Honorary Greek Consulate in Auckland.

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 Greeces 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.

Terms

Northern Epirus

Main article: Northern Epirus
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[74] 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

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 Erdogan promised to reconsider his country's stance on the matter.

Black Sea

The Black Sea is a region heavily colonized by Greeks throughout history and used to have a heavy presence of Greek population up to the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Nowadays there is still Greek presence in the shores of Black Sea mainly in Mariupol (Ukraine), Crimea, Russia and Georgia despite immigration to Greece 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

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.

Most recently, 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.

Ambassadors

  • Vassili Dendramis[75]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Αρχές του Εξωτερικού (Missions Abroad)" (in Greek). Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. www.mfa.gr. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/el-GR/Services/Directory/GreekAuthoritiesAbroad/#Β. Retrieved 2 July 2011. 
  2. ^ a b c d "FYROM Name Issue". www.mfa.gr. http://www1.mfa.gr/en/fyrom-name-issue/. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  3. ^ a b c d e "GREECE and THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA - Interim Accord (with related letters and translations of the Interim Accord in the languages of the Contracting Parties). Signed at New York on 13 September 1995". untreaty.un.org. 13 September 1995. http://untreaty.un.org/unts/120001_144071/6/3/00004456.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  4. ^ "Bucharest Summit Declaration Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Bucharest on 3 April 2008". www.summitbucharest.ro. 3 April 2008. http://www.summitbucharest.ro/en/doc_202.html. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  5. ^ "2008/212/EC: Council Decision of 18 February 2008 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and repealing Decision 2006/57/EC". eur-lex.europa.eu. 18 February 2008. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:080:0032:01:EN:HTML. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  6. ^ "Conclusions on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". ec.europa.eu. http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2010/package/conclusions_fyrom_en.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  7. ^ "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia institutes proceedings against Greece for a violation of Article 11 of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995". www.icj-cij.org. 17 November 2008. http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/142/14881.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  8. ^ "Application of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995 (the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia v. Greece) - Conclusion of the public hearings - Court to begin its deliberation". www.icj-cij.org. 30 March 2011. http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/142/16388.pdf. Retrieved 27 August 2011. 
  9. ^ Lucas, Dimitrios (4 January 2006). "Greece’s Shifting Position on Turkish Accession to the EU Before and After Helsinki (1999)". MA in European Studies. Catholic University of Leuven. http://www.ethesis.net/greece/greece.htm#Conclusion. Retrieved 14 August 2008. "[Greece has become] one of Turkey’s most ardent supporters within the EU." 
  10. ^ "Turkish PM visits Greek Muslims". BBC News (London). 8 May 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3697293.stm. Retrieved 14 August 2008. 
  11. ^ http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3395.htm
  12. ^ http://www.osaarchivum.org/files/holdings/300/8/3/text/101-4-123.shtml
  13. ^ Bilateral Relations Between Greece And Albania
  14. ^ Interview with Emmanuel Karagiannis
  15. ^ a b "Azerbaijan, Greece aim to boost relations". Southeast Europe Times. February, 2009. http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/roundup/2009/02/17/roundup-dd-03. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  16. ^ "Greece, Azerbaijan to work closer on energy security". EUbusiness. February 2009. http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234888322.17/. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  17. ^ "Azerbaijan plans to export gas to Europe via Greece: Azerbaijani president". Trend Capital. 16 February 2009. http://en.trend.az/capital/pengineering/1425640.html. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  18. ^ "Greece, Azerbaijan sign energy cooperation memorandum". Athens News Agency. http://www.greekembassy.org/embassy/Content/en/Article.aspx?office=1&folder=925&article=21396. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  19. ^ a b "Greece and Azerbaijan sign energy cooperation agreement". Journal of Turkish Weekly (JTW). August 2007. http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/47330/greece-and-azerbaijan-sign-energy-cooperation-agreement.html. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  20. ^ Greece "wants to be first" EU member to directly import Azeri gas
  21. ^ Belgian embassy in Athens
  22. ^ Greek embassy in Brussels
  23. ^ Bulgaria and its neighbors: a hundred years after independence
  24. ^ a b Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Bilateral relations between Greece and Bulgaria
  25. ^ Greek embassy in Nicosia
  26. ^ Czech embassy in Athens
  27. ^ Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Czech Republic
  28. ^ French Foreign Ministry about relations with Greece
  29. ^ Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with France
  30. ^ French embassy in Greece
  31. ^ Greek embassy in France
  32. ^ Lithuanian embassy in Athens
  33. ^ "Πρώην Γιουγκοσλαβική ∆ημοκρατία της Μακεδονίας [the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia]". www.mfa.gr. http://www1.mfa.gr/blog/dimereis-sheseis-tis-ellados/pgdm/. Retrieved 28 August 2011. 
  34. ^ "Diplomatic Missions". www.mfa.gov.mk. http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default1.aspx?ItemID=315. Retrieved 28 August 2011. 
  35. ^ Greek embassy in Malta
  36. ^ Norway’s embassy in Athens
  37. ^ Greek embassy in Warsaw
  38. ^ Polish embassy in Athens
  39. ^ a b c "Bilateral relations between Russia and Greece". Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Russia+-+Eastern+Europe+-+Central+Asia/Bilateral+Relations/Russia/. Retrieved 18 June 2009. 
  40. ^ Greek embassy in Bratislava
  41. ^ Swedish embassy in Athens
  42. ^ Greek embassy in Stockholm
  43. ^ Greek embassy in Kiev
  44. ^ Ukrainian embassy in Athens
  45. ^ "Framework of Treaties". Greece. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Latin+America+-+Caribbean/Bilateral+Relations/Argentina/sy.org/Embassy/content/en/Article.aspx?office=1&folder=24&article=23565. Retrieved 7 May 2009. 
  46. ^ Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the relation with Cuba
  47. ^ United States Department of State: Background Note: Greece
  48. ^ "Greeks angered by NATO strikes clash with riot police". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9903/26/kosovo.protests/. Retrieved 2 May 2010. 
  49. ^ Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry about relations with Algeria
  50. ^ D. J. Mosley,Archipresbeutai, Hermes, Vol. 94, No. 3 (1966), pp. 377-381.
  51. ^ Iranian embassy in Athens
  52. ^ "Greece and Gulf War II’". lse.ac.uk. http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/hellenicObservatory/pdf/2nd_Symposium/George_Tzogopoulos_paper.pdf. Retrieved 23 August 2008. Author:George Tzogopoulos, PhD researcher on U.S. foreign policy and the media, Loughborough University.
  53. ^ Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Qatar
  54. ^ Syrian embassy in Athens
  55. ^ "Bilateral Relations: Cambodia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece). 2009. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Asia+-+Oceania/Bilateral+Relations/Cambodia/. Retrieved 2 May 2009. 
  56. ^ "Membres" (in French). L'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. 2009. http://www.francophonie.org/oif/membres.cfm. Retrieved 2 May 2009. [dead link]
  57. ^ Indian embassy in Athens
  58. ^ Greek embassy in New Delhi
  59. ^ www.ypex.gov.gr
  60. ^ a b "Tajikistan". Greece. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Russia+-+Eastern+Europe+-+Central+Asia/Bilateral+Relations/Tajikistan/. Retrieved 21 May 2009. "Greece and Tajikistan established diplomatic relations in 1992. The stabilization of the country following the civil war and its increasing presence as part of the international community are expected to offer an opportunity for substantially developing its bilateral relations with Greece." 
  61. ^ "Kyrgyz president in Greece". BBC. 1 November 2004. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=106189939BE191C3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 22 May 2009. "Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev left for Greece on an official visit on 31 October" 
  62. ^ Kyrgyzstan: The Greek Community. Hellenic Republic: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/el-GR/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Russia-Eastern+Europe-Central+Asia/Bilateral+relations/Kyrghizstan/. Retrieved 4 May 2009 
  63. ^ "General Information". General Secretariat For Greeks Abroad. http://www.ggae.gr/gabroad/organosi.el.asp. Retrieved 7 May 2009. [dead link]
  64. ^ "Kyrgyzstan, Greece sign cooperation accords". BBC. 1 November 2004. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-14225441_ITM. Retrieved 22 May 2009. "Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev met Greek President Konstandinos Stefanopoulos in a narrow circle in Athens as part of an official visit to Greece on 1 November 2004. There was an exchange of views on a wide range of issues of cooperation..." 
  65. ^ Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry about relations with Malaysia
  66. ^ Philippine Embassy in Athens
  67. ^ Korean embassy in Athens
  68. ^ "Nigerian Missions Overseas". Minstry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria. http://www.mfa.gov.ng/nigerian_missions.html. Retrieved 22 April 2009. [dead link]
  69. ^ "Row over tanker held in Nigeria". London: BBC News. 30 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7757561.stm. Retrieved 25 April 2009. 
  70. ^ "Nigeria". Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Sub-Saharan+Africa/Bilateral+Relation/Nigeria/. Retrieved 22 April 2009. 
  71. ^ Greek consulate in Johannesburg
  72. ^ South African embassy Athens
  73. ^ "Zimbabwe". http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/Sub-Saharan+Africa/Bilateral+Relation/Zimbabwe/. Retrieved 14 April 2009. "Greece has an Embassy in Harare, whereas Zimbabwe does not have an Embassy and is not able to afford one. Zimbabwe does not have an Honorary Consulate in Greece either." 
  74. ^ Country Studies US: Greeks and Other Minorities
  75. ^ "Former Ambassador to U.S. Had Served With League of Nations and at U.N. Envoy to Many Nations With Exiled Government". New York Times. 10 May 1956. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40E13FF3558157B93C2A8178ED85F428585F9. Retrieved 7 May 2009. "Vassili Dendramis, former Greek Ambassador to the United States, died in a hospital here today. He was 73 years old. ... He was sent to South America as Minister to Argentina, Brazil, ..." 

Further reading

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

External links

v · d · eGreece Foreign relations of Greece
Africa
  • Algeria
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Ethiopia
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia
  • Zimbabwe
 Coat of arms of Greece
Americas
Asia
  • China
  • India
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Malaysia
  • Pakistan
  • South Korea
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uzbekistan
Europe
Oceania
Diplomacy
v · d · eForeign relations of European countries
Sovereign
states
States with limited
recognition
Dependencies
and other territories
  • Åland
  • Faroe Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Guernsey
  • Jan Mayen
  • Jersey
  • Isle of Man
  • Svalbard
Other entities
  • European Union
  • Sovereign Military Order of Malta
v · d · eGreece Greece topics
People Coat of arms of Greece
History
Greek countries and regions · Prehistory · Ancient Greece (Mycenaean period – Dark Age – Archaic period – Classical period – Hellenistic period – Roman period)  · Byzantine era · Latin states · Ottoman period · War of Independence · Modern Greece
Law
Politics and
government
Geography
Regions · Climate · Mountains · Lakes · Rivers · Transport · Environmental issues · Islands  · National Parks · List of earthquakes in Greece
Economy
Economic history · Debt crisis  · Stock Exchange · Euro · Banks · Bank of Greece · Taxation · Shipping · Tourism
Military
Demographics
Demographic history · Social issues · Religion · Diaspora · Cities · Immigration · Minorities · Crime
Culture
Art · Cinema · Dance · Literature · Education · Cuisine · Music · Sport · Television
Other topics
Flag · Coat of arms · National anthem · Evzones · Holidays · Name of Greece · International rankings

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Foreign relations of Malta — Malta This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Malta …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Ukraine — Ukraine This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Ukraine …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Morocco — Embassy of Morocco in Ottawa, Canada Morocco …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Singapore — Singapore This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Singapore Constitution Legislature …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of the Philippines — is administered by the Philippines President and the nation s Department of Foreign Affairs. Much of the republic s international relations are dominated by the Philippines ties to the United States, of which the Philippines was historically a… …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Turkey — Foreign relations of the Republic of Turkey are the Turkish government s policies in its external relations with the international community. Historically, based on the Western inspired reforms of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, such policies have placed… …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Iran — refers to inter governmental connections between Iran and other countries. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Islamic revolutionary regime of Ayatollah Khomeini dramatically reversed the pro Western foreign policy of the last Shah of Iran …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Cyprus — Cyprus This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Cyprus Constitution Cyprus dispute …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Serbia — Serbia This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Serbia …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Croatia — The following page shows the foreign relations of Croatia from past history, current events, international disputes and foreign support. Croatia This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Croatia …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”