I. Diplomatic Relations
Greece has an Embassy in Khartoum, whereas Sudan’s Embassy in Athens is expected to operate again by the end of 2009.
II. Political relations
Relations between Greece and Sudan are considered traditionally good.
Greece is actively participating in international efforts to resolve the crisis which broke out in 2003 in the Darfur region, as well as the North-South civil war, which has tormented the country since its independence (with the exception of the decade 1972-1982).
Greece also provided its support on the two important issues dealt with by the UN Security Council: the deployment of UN forces for peace-keeping between North and South, coupled with the African Union’s mediation efforts, as well as the prosecution of those charged with crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court of The Hague.
The Greek Embassy in Khartoum acted as local European Union Presidency for Portugal from 1 July to 31 December 2007. The major achievement of the local EU Presidency was relaunching the high-level political dialogue between the EU and Sudan, which had been suspended for years.
Sudanese government officials have shown particular interest in scholarships for Greek universities, and a considerable number of Sudanese officers have graduated from Greek military schools.
III. Economic relations/Development assistance
- Greece’s imports from Sudan (2008): $6.033 million.
- Greece’s exports to Sudan (2008): $5.941 million.
Greece participated in missions for the provision of emergency aid – e.g., during periods of drought, in the case of floods or for the situation in Darfur – through the active presence of Greek NGOs. Today, the following NGOs are present in Sudan with the financial support of Hellenic Aid: Etanal, One Earth, Médecins du Monde (Greek section), Heart Doctors, Solidarity, World Pharmacists and European Public Law Organization.
In the period 1997-2007, total development aid from Greece to Sudan stood at $6.45 million, whereas in 2008 it stood at $3.01million.
IV. The Greek Community
Greeks have been in Sudan since the early 20th century and today the local community numbers about 250 members, working mainly in the industrial and trade sectors.