I. Diplomatic Relations

Greece and Slovenia established diplomatic relations in July 1992. Greece opened its Embassy in Ljubljana in 1995.

II. Framework of Treaties

Greece and Slovenia have entered into several bilateral agreements, by way of indication: Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Agricultural Cooperation, Economic and Technological Cooperation, Educational and Cultural Cooperation, etc.

III. Political relations

Greece and Slovenia are already partners in the E.U. and allies in NATO, which further broadens the scope of bilateral cooperation between them. In the past, reciprocal visits have been carried out by the heads of state of the two countries (in 1999, the then President of the Hellenic Republic, Kostis Stephanopoulos and in 2001, the then President of the Slovenian Republic, Mr. Kucan) and also by their Prime Ministers.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Y. Valinakis visited Slovenia in December 2005, on the occasion of the OSCE Ministerial Council.

The following visits were carried out in the period 2006-2007:

- 12/10/2006: Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis met with her Slovenian counterpart, Dr. Ruppel, on the margins of the Euromediterranean Cooperation Ministerial Conference.

- 15-17/1/2007: The Greek Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister visited Slovenia in order to take part in celebrations for the countrys accession to the Eurozone. During their stay, they met with their Slovenian counterparts.

 - 23-27/4/2007:  Visit of the then Prime Minister, Mr. Janez Jansa to our country. He was accompanied by the then Foreign Minister Dr. Rupel (who had a meeting and talks with the Greek Minister on 24 April), Finance Minister Mr. Vizjak (who met with the Ministers of Economy and Finance, and Development), and a delegation of the 70 most important Slovenian Companies.

The most recent visit was carried out by Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis, who carried out a working visit to Slovenia, in order to discuss issues of common interest with his Slovenian counterpart, Mr. J. Jansa, on the oaccasion of the Slovenian EU Presidency in the first semester of 2008.

IV. Cultural/Educational relations

The two countries signed an education agreement, implemented through bilateral implementing three-year programmes on 10/11/1993. The latest programme is for the period 2001-2003 and it still in force. This agreement provides for cooperation in the fields of science and education, registries and libraries, art and culture, news media, sports and youth.

The University of Ljubljana has a Classical Greek Department, where the Greek language and culture are taught. 

Ioannis Kapodistrias hailed from the Slovenian city of Koper, where there is a square named in his honour and home to a statue of him donated by Greece. An initiative has been taken to create a European network of cities associated with Ioannis Kapodistrias, so that the international cooperation between local authorities can be used to promote Kapodistrias as one of the first voices in favour of the European ideal and as an example of intercultural dialogue. This initiative was supported by the Mayor of Koper.

V. Greek community

There is no Greek community in Slovenia. According to the latest census, no more than 64 Greeks reside permanently in Slovenia.

VI. Embassy details

Last modified: January 2009