I. Diplomatic Relations

There are Embassies in both Stockholm and Athens.

Greece also maintains two Honorary General Consulates in Sweden, in the towns of Malmo and Goteborg.

II. Framework of Treaties

The bilateral treaty framework between Greece and Sweden dates back to 15 October 1852, when the two countries signed a Treaty on Trade and Shipping. Twelve bilateral Treaties, Agreements or Memoranda have been signed since 1929 in respect of various issues including the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Income or capital (1961), Social Security (1984), Cultural Exchanges (1990) and Defence Cooperation (1999).

The following bilateral Agreements, Treaties, etc. have been signed between Greece and Sweden (date of signature date of entry in force):

•           Treaty on Vessel Tonnage Measurement Certificates (11/6/1929 1930)
•           Agreement on Shipping Revenues (19/11/1931 1931)
•           Agreement on the Commercial Exploitation of Regular Air Transport Routes (8/4/1947 1948)
•           Agreement on the Abolition of Visa requirements (30/5/1953 1953)
•           Agreement on Mutual Tax Exemption for Aviation Revenues (27/5/1954 13/3/1954)
•           Treaty on Legal Settlements (11/12/1956 6/9/1957)
•           Treaty on the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Income or Capital (6/10/1961 26/5/1961)
•           Agreement on International Road Transport of Passengers and Goods (25/11/1975 12/3/1977)
•           Agreement on Social Security (amending an agreement dated 5/5/1978) (14/9/1984 29/5/1985)
•           Agreement on Special Measures for Cultural Exchanges (9/11/1990 1/11/1992)
•           Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation (1/2/1999 12/9/2000)
•           Agreement on the Participation of Swedish Military or Civilian Staff in the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre (MPSOsTC) (18/6/2002 10/9/2003)

III. Political Relations

Greece and Sweden maintain full political, economic, defence and cultural relations, and enjoy a good level of cooperation within International bodies (U.N., E.U., O.S.C.E., the Council of Europe).

During the past five years several high level visits have been made to Sweden, one by both the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister, and several by Ministers, as well as one by the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

IV. Economic and Trade Relations

Swedish exports to Greece (501m euros in 2003) are always significantly higher than respective Greek exports to Sweden (132m euros), which means that the balance of trade is constantly negative for Greece (369m euros). Sweden mainly exports telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and timber and paper products. Greece chiefly exports textiles and clothing, lighting fixtures, steel products, fruits and vegetables and household appliances.

Greece is visited annually by some 500,000 Swedish tourists.

V. Cultural Relations

Over the past two years several particularly successful events have been organized in Stockholm, mainly in the context of the Hellenic Presidency of the E.U., and of the Olympic Games, such as exhibitions of antiquities, painting and photography, lectures, drama performances, concerts, and other activities for the promotion of Hellenic culture and spirit.

There are several Greek-related cultural agencies: the Greco-Swedish Cultural Commission, the Mediterranean Museum, the House of Culture, the Friends of the Athens Archaeological Museum, the Swedish Institute, the Association of Swedish Writers, Stockholm International Library, etc.

VI. The Greek Community

The number of Greeks in Sweden has been dwindling in recent years, and the number living there on a permanent basis is currently estimated at 12,000 15,000. They are fully integrated in Swedish society and are successful in a broad spectrum of pursuits: science, the arts, literature, culture, Mass Media, education, business, and politics.

There are two Greek deputies in the national Parliament Messrs Nikolaos Papadopoulos and Tassos Staphylidis.

VII. Embassy Details

Head of Mission: Evangelos Karokis, Minister Plenipotentiary (Grade A)

Address: Kommendrsgatan 16, 11448 Stockholm (P.O. Box 55565, 102 04 Stockholm)
Tel. (Embassy/ commercial section): 00468 54566010,
 Consular office: 00468 54566011,12,13

Fax (Embassy/commercial section): 00468 6605470
       Consular office: 00468 54566014