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: Α. Passport: Α. Passport: 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.
ΙΙ. Framework of Treaties
The following bilateral agreements are worth mentioning:
- Agreement on Air Transport (1947),
- 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).
III. Political relations
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:
10.2.2010. Visit of Prime Minister George Papandreou to Paris
1-2.12.2009. Meeting of Prime Minister Papandreou with French Foreign Minister Mr. Bernard Kouchner on the sidelines of the 17th OSCE Ministerial Council in Athens.
9.4.2009. Visit of Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis to Paris.
6.6.2008. State visit of French President Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy to Athens
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 country’s state and political leadership and gave a speech before the Hellenic Parliament.
17.10.2007. Visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, to Paris within the framework of the 34th UNESCO General Conference. Mr. Papoulias had a meeting with French President Mr. N. Sarkozy.
30.7.2007. Visit of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to Paris. The Prime Minister was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis, who met with her French counterpart Mr. B. Kouchner.
23.1.2007. Meeting of FM Ms. Bakoyannis with Mr. Douste-Blazy in Paris.
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. France’s cultural presence in Greece is ensured mainly by the Institut Français d’Athènes.
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.
Last modified: February 2010