I. Diplomatic Relations

The Hellenic Republic has been represented in France at Embassy level since 1833, just three years after the instauration of the modern Greek State (1830). The following Consular Authorities also operate in France: a) the General Consulate in Paris and the General Consulate in Marseille, and b) Eleven Honorary Consulates in the following towns: Ajaccio (Corsica), Bordeaux, Cherbourg, Grenoble, Le Havre, Lille, Lyons, Nantes, Nice, St. Etienne, and Strasbourg, and also c) one Honorary Vice Consulate in Calais.

The French Republic is represented in Greece at Embassy level.

Since 2008, the Greek Ambassador to Paris has  parallel accreditation to Monaco.

II. Contractual Framework

The following bilateral agreements are worth mentioning:

- Agreement on Road Transport (1969),

- Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (1963),

- Agreement on the Reciprocal Operation of Radio Broadcasting Stations (1982),

- Agreement establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (2001),

- Agreement on the readmission of illegal aliens (1999).

Greece and France have deeply historical ties. Nowadays, the two countries cooperate closely within the framework of the EU and other international organisations. The most important visits over the past two years have been:

-20-21.6.06. Visit to Paris of Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis.

-13.10.2006. Meeting of Foreign Minister Ms. D. Bakoyannis with her counterpart at the time, Mr. P. Douste-Blazy, on the margins of the informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers from EU Mediterranean member states in Lagonisi.

-23.1.2007. Meeting of FM Ms. Bakoyannis with Mr. Douste-Blazy in Paris.

-30.7.2007. Visit of Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis to Paris. . The Prime Minister had successive meetings with French President Mr. N. Sarkozy and his counterpart Mr. F. Fillon. The Prime Minister was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis, who met with her French counterpart Mr. B. Kouchner.

-17.10.2007. Visit of President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. K. Papoulias to Paris within the framework of the 34th UNESCO General Conference. Mr. Papoulias also had a meeting with French President Mr. N. Sarkozy. 

-14-15.11.2007: Working visit of Foreign Minister Ms. D. Bakoyannis to Paris. Talks with her counterpart, Mr. Kouchner.

-6.6.2008: State visit of  French President Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy to Athens. The French President had talks with the countrys state and political leadership and gave a speech before the Hellenic Parliament.

V. Cultural relations

The Greek Authorities in France, in regular cooperation with local Greek communities and notable French institutions, organize cultural activities which are much appreciated by the French public and the Greek community, such as the annual Greek Film Panorama. There are also several Greek cultural institutions active in France such as the Hellenic University Foundation and the Hellenic Cultural Centre. . Frances cultural presence in Greece is ensured mainly by the Institut Francais dAthenes.

VI. Greek community

Around Paris, Lille, and Lyon there are some 15,000 resident Greeks, 1,500-2,000 of whom are students. 

The Greek community in the South of France consists of some 20,000 persons