I. Diplomatic relations

Greece has an Embassy in Teheran, and Iran is represented by her Embassy in Athens.

II. Framework of treaties

In recent years treaties and agreements have been signed covering road and air transport, as well as bilateral agreements on cooperation in tourism and agriculture. There have to date been four Joint Inter-Ministerial Committees at Deputy Foreign Minister level, dealing with economic cooperation. A large number of Memoranda of Understanding have also been signed the most important concerning natural gas and signed by the Greek Natural Gas Company (DEPA) and the Iranian company NIOC.

III. Political relations

The cultural affinities between Greeks and Iranians, two of the worlds oldest peoples, provide a firm foundation for further developing their links in all areas.

As a member of the EU, Greece actively supports community dialogue with Iran in the areas of a) human rights, b) the EU-Iran Comprehensive Dialogue in the four areas of broader interest to the EU (negotiations towards agreement on trade and cooperation, human rights, the Middle East and terrorism).

Our country is following developments concerning Irans nuclear programme with interest. She accepts the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes alone, without compromising her long-established position in favour of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the creation of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. She also supports the initiative by the three (Britain, France and Germany) to find a diplomatic solution to this controversial issue, and wishes to avoid any escalation of tension which might have incalculable consequences for the whole region.

On the bilateral level, visits have helped further relations between the two states. The most important official visit was the one made by the then President of the Republic, Mr. K. Stephanopoulos, to Iran in 1999, which was returned by the Iranian President Khatami when he visited Athens in 2002.

Other visits to Iran were made by the then Foreign Minister, Mr. G. Papandreou (1999, 2001), the then Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Anomeritis, in 1999 and the Minister for Development, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos, in 2002.

IV. Economic and trade relations

Iran is the most significant partner of Greece in the Arab world based on the volume of their bilateral trade. Trade between Greece and Iran shows significant fluctuations and the trade balance shows a deficit to the detriment of Greece, which is due to large imports of crude oil from Iran.
 

Trade: Trade between the two countries has considerable potential for further development.

Data: Office of National Statistics

Investments: The Greek company SOLINOURGEIA KORINTHOU S.A. has set up a joint enterprise with the Iranian commercial company NARFOAM KAR to market industrial equipment. Their products are used in the construction of major Iranian development projects. Through its subsidiary company COMMERCIAL CO. ABU DHABI, the products of SOLINOURGEIA KORINTHOU S.A. are sold on all the major Arab markets. The company PETZETAKIS S.A. holds a 25% stake in the Iranian companies HELIFLEX and VID MANUFACTURERS, which use the Greek companys expertise and manufacturing licence to produce PVC piping. The HELLENIC PETROLEUM company has been cooperating with Iran for many years in the crude oil sector.

Humanitarian aid: Greece came immediately to Irans aid in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake which struck the city of Bam in December 2003, sending both financial and humanitarian assistance. Greek NGOs, operating under the aegis of the Foreign Ministry, are active in the city, running various programmes to help the earthquake victims.

V. Cultural relations

Greece has had a consistent involvement in Iranian cultural events. In 2004 a Greek Cultural Week was held in the city of Kashan, as well as an exhibition of paintings organized by the Municipality of Amarousi at the Nyavaran exhibition centre in Teheran, and a particularly successful concert From the Black Sea to Persia at Teherans largest concert venue, the Vahdat all, featuring Greek and Iranian musicians.

Greece supported Iranian President Khatamis idea of a Dialogue of Civilizations from the very beginning, and has participated in meetings of representatives of the worlds four oldest civilizations (Greece-Iran-Egypt-Italy).

VI. The Greek community

The Greek community in Teheran numbers some 80 persons, whose parents found refuge here after the Asia Minor disaster. There is a Greek Orthodox Church, which holds services in Easter week, celebrated by a priest sent out especially by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

VII. Embassy details

 
                                                             Last Modified: December 2008