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. Contractual Framework
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 on various issues including the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Income or capital (1961), Social Security (1984) and Defense Cooperation (1999).
III. Political relations
The first contact between the two peoples can be traced back to the 11th century. Nowadays, the two countries have very good political, economic, defense, and cultural relations and enjoy a good level of cooperation within international organisations (UN, EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe).
The past few years have seen an exchange of several high-level visits. The most important are:
-27.6.06: Visit of Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis to Stockholm. Talks with his Swedish counterpart Mr. Goran Person
-24.10.2007 : Visit of Swedens Foreign Minister Mr. Carl Bildt to Athens. Talks with Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis.
-20-22.5.2008: state visit of President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Karolos Papoulias.
IV. Cultural relations
The cultural relations between Greece and Sweden are based on the Agreement on Special Measures for Cultural Exchanges (1990). Our Embassy in Stockholm has organised events aiming at strengthening bilateral cultural relations and there are also several Greek-related cultural agencies active in Stockholm: the Greco-Swedish Cultural Commission (based also in Athens), 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.
V. Greek community
The number of Greeks in Sweden has been dwindling in recent years. 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. Sweden's Parliament has a Greek member, Mr. Nikolaos Papadopoulos, who was reelected as a candidate for the Social Democrats in the elections held in September 2006.