I. Diplomatic relations

Switzerland was among the first countries ever to establish diplomatic relations with Greece.

Greece has Consular Authorities in four Swiss cities.

II. Framework of Treaties

Major bilateral Treaties:

-M.L. 729/1937 (G.G. '226/1937). Legal assistance (on arrangements for mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial cases). Athens, 30.3.1934

-L.D. 20 of 2/7.9,1974(G.G. '2431974). Entry into force 1.12.1974,
Treaty on Social Security, and appended Final Protocol between Greece and the Swiss Confederation (Bern, 1.6.1973)

-Law 1502 of 26/28.11.84, (G.G. 1192/19&4). Entry into force on 21.2.1985. Treaty between the Hellenic Republic and the Swiss Confederation on the avoidance of double taxation in respect of income tax, and Protocol appended thereto. Bern, 16.6.1983.

Other treaties

III. Political relations

There is close cooperation between the two countries.

Official visits:

February 2003: working visit by the then President of the Swiss Confederation, M.  Couchepin, in the context of the established visit by the President of the Confederation to countries holding the E.U. Presidency, in the course of which he met with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Ministers for the National Economy and for Public Order.

September 2004: visit to Athens by the then President of the Swiss Confederation, M. Deiss, for the Paralympic Games.

IV. Economic Relations

The trade balance shows a chronic Greek deficit against Switzerland.

Balance of Trade between Greece and Switzerland (in millions of Swiss Francs)

Level of transactions                                  1998    1999    2000   2001    2002     2003     2004

(in m Swiss Francs)

Swiss exports to Greece                           928.4    852.7   848.7   910.2   948.8   1091.9    1180.7

Greek exports to Switzerland                   120.4    126.4   136.1   153.0   134.8     151.9     150.3

Balance of Trade                                     -808.0  -726.3  -712.6  -757.2  -814.0   -940.0    -1030.4

The main products imported from Switzerland are pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, watches, clocks and other luxury goods, machinery and high technology products, electronic equipment, and specific types of food.

Greeces exports to Switzerland include food and beverages, chemicals, construction materials, and textiles.

There are some 48 Swiss companies in Greece, the most important of which are in pharmaceuticals, medical tools and equipment, and chemicals.

V. Cultural Relations

There is marked Swiss interest in Greeces ancient civilization and modern culture. Chairs of classical literature and archaeology are to be found in several Universities, whilst there is also a chair of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Geneva.

Greek-related cultural agencies:

- Swiss school of archaeology in Greece

- Cultural Circle of Friends of Greece in Basel, (Kulturverein der Freunde Griechenlands in Basel)

- Amities Greco-Suisses Lausanne

- Association Greco-Suisse Jean-Gabriel Eynard Geneve

- Association of Greek Scientists in Switzerland

- Hellenic Press Newspaper

- Akrotheama Greek Cultural Group, Zurich  

- DIA.LOGOS Association for the promotion of Greek language and civilization

VI. The Greek Community

There are some 11,000 Greeks living in Switzerland, mainly in Zurich (around 7,000). There are Greek associations and communities in all major Swiss towns.