I. Diplomatic Relations

Greece established diplomatic relations with Peru in 1966, and was represented by the Embassy in Brazil until 1992 when the Embassy in Lima was opened.

Peru has an Embassy in Athens. 

II. Framework of Treaties

An Educational Agreement which was signed in Athens in 1988 is in force, along with the subsequent programme of educational exchanges, which was renewed on 31.10.2003 for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. The agreement provides for annual scholarships for both undergraduate and post graduate studies. Interest is relatively limited.

A Memorandum of Co-operation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries provides for the establishment of a mechanism of bilateral political consultations (in force since it was signed in Lima on 30.10.2003).

III. Political Relations

The first official visit by a Greek official to Peru was made by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou in 2003.   (29 October 1 November).

IV. Economic and Trade Relations

Economic and trade relations between the two countries in terms of product exports are limited.

Over the past few years, INTRALOT Greece has made investments of over $70 million for the purchase of the biggest lottery operator in Peru. Also, Sunlight of the GERMANOS Group was awarded the contract for the supply of submarine batteries to the Peruvian Navy (2004).

The presence of Greek foodstuffs and olive oil in large grocery chains is small but encouraging. In past years there have been some imports of Greek wines but they were short-lived because of competition by Argentinean and Chilean wines.

Greeks living in Peru are active in ship chandling, transports and small manufacturing.

In 1998 $20.000 were donated as humanitarian aid to help repair damage caused by EL NINO.

Greece has also donated development aid in drug combating projects, aid to native communities and to schools in poor districts.

Regarding tourism, in spite of distance and high travel costs, wealthy Peruvians travelling to Europe use tourist packages that include Greece as a destination.

Equally, Peru attracts wealthy Greek tourists who wish to see the centres of the Inca civilization in Cusco and Machu Pichu in the Andes Mountains.

V. Cultural Relations

The cultural presence of Greece in Peru is expressed through events organized by the Embassy with the support of the Greek MFAs Directorate for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Thus, an exhibition of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Icons from the Velimezi Collection was organized, in co-operation with the Benaki Museum, which attracted a large number of visitors (10,000). Moreover, the Embassy organizes various exhibitions (themed photography exhibitions of the olive tree and Greek landscapes, engravings showing Alexander the Greats route, painting, sculpture and pottery with themes from Greek mythology), as well as Greek Poetry and Film evenings.

Special mention should be made of Greek participation in the annual Month of European Culture with Greek films and exhibitions.

VI. The Greek Community  

The Greek Community of Peru, some 350 people, most of them second and third generation, is mainly concentrated in Lima and numbers several businessmen and business executives among its members.

There is an organized Greek Community in Lima, which is active in getting all the Greeks together and in staging various events.

In Peru there is an orthodox church in Lima. The church, which was built by Russian immigrants, has come under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Latin America, which is based in Buenos Aires. The Orthodox Community of Peru comprises Greek, Russian, Palestinian, Ukrainian, Serb, Romanian and Peruvian members and services are officiated by a Brazilian priest who does not speak Greek. Assistance provided by Greece is vital to the churchs upkeep.