I. Diplomatic relations

Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to August 1833, when the great benefactor, Mihail Tositsas, was appointed by the Greek government of the time as Greeces first Consul to Alexandria. In 1835 the Consulate in Alexandria was upgraded to a Consulate General; five years later the Cairo Consulate General was opened and, in 1900, a Greek Embassy was established. Greece also has a Port Consular Office in Port Said.

II. Framework of treaties

The framework of treaties between the two countries (LINK detailed list of agreements) covers virtually the entire scope, with the main treaties and agreements as follows: 

• Agreement on establishment of regular air lines (24.4.1950)
• Education Agreement (4.9.1956)
• Agreement on compensation (26.9.1966)
• Agreement on cooperation in matters related to tourism (23.7.1968)
• Agreement on shipping and sea transportation (18.4.1981)
• Agreement on economic and technical cooperation (24.2.1986)
• Agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments (16.7.1993)
• Agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of Public Order and the Egyptian Ministry of Home Affairs on matters within their competence (28.2.1998)
• Protocol on the founding and operation of Cultural Centres
• Memorandum of cooperation between Diplomatic Academies (10.6.04)
• Agreement on avoidance of double taxation (27.11.04) (not yet ratified)
• Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation (27.11.04) (not yet ratified)

III. Political relations

Relations between the two countries go far back in time as a result of their co-existence within the same geo-strategic region, their common historical experience, and given the presence for many years in Egypt of a sizeable Greek community.

Today the two countries enjoy close cooperation at multi-lateral level in the context of international organizations, and in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. At bilateral level and in accordance with an agreement signed in 1998, the two countries have institutionalised political consultations at the highest level on a six-monthly basis, and between Foreign Ministers once per year.

One subject of particular concern to both countries is the increasing movement of illegal migrants from Egypt to Greece over recent years. The authorities of both countries are working closely together to tackle this phenomenon, while negotiations are under way to prepare a repatriation treaty. 

Bilateral relations have recently been given a boost by reciprocal visits at the very highest level: the Greek Prime Minister Mr. K. Karamanlis recently paid a visit to Egypt (27-29 November 2005), where he discussed the major issues facing the region (the Middle East, Iraq, the Iranian nuclear programme, Cyprus) as well as bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field. The visit was preceded by that of the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Valinakis, on 10-12/06/04.  

Other contacts have included: 

• The official visit of the then President of the Republic, Mr. K. Stephanopoulos, in 1996
• The official visit of the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. T. Pangalos, in 1998
• Also, in his capacity as President of the Council of Ministers of the EU (first half of 2003) the then Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. G. Papandreou, visited Egypt on three occasions.
• The visit of the Mayor of Athens Mrs. Dora Bakogiannis (18-22 February 2005)
• The visit of the President of the Greek Parliament, Mrs. Anna Benakis-Psaroudas (13-15 March 2005)
• The visit of the Minister of Tourism Development, Mr. Demetres Avramopoulos (30 May - 1 June 2005)

IV. Economic and Trade Relations

In 1956 a bilateral Education Agreement was signed, with an Executive Programme which is renewed every third year. Among other things it covers scholarships for postgraduate studies for both Greeks and Egyptians, scientific visits by professors, collaboration in the educational and academic fields and cooperation with the Alexandria Library.

In 2002 a bilateral protocol was signed on the founding and operation of cultural centres, which recognized the work of the Greek Cultural Centre in Alexandria and its Egyptian counterpart in Athens, as well as the founding of a Greek Cultural Centre in Cairo.

Among the most important cultural events staged in Egypt by Greece are the Kavafeia programme, staged every second year, and the presentation of the International Kavafi Awards.

The main focus of cultural activity organized by the Greek Embassy in Cairo in 2004 concerned the promotion of the Athens Olympic Games. In collaboration with the Cairo Greek Cultural Centre, which was officially opened in September 2003, the Embassy published and circulated a history of the Games in Arabic: The history and development of the Olympic Games, by Professor Mochi Metawe. Major events were also staged in Cairo to honour the Egyptian athletes participating in the Games; the passing of the Olympic torch through Cairo was also a great success.

A number of other major cultural events were organized in 2004: concerts by the Ag. Georgiou Karytsi and Amphion choirs, a concert by Demis Roussos, a performance by the Paramythias traditional ensemble and a concert by the Sweet Greque group with G. Zographou and Chris Jarrett, as well as a performance of the comedy Gynaikeia Eirene, an exhibition of photographs by G. Rossidis, a presentation of the Benaki Museums Islamic Museum and the presentation of the Arabic translation of a Greek book for children.

From the very beginning Greece supported Alexandrias bid to be selected as the headquarters of the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures.

VI. The Greek Community

The sizeable Greek community in Egypt (at its height the Greek population numbered 140,000) began to decline in the early 1950s (as a result of President Nassers nationalization programme) and now around 3,800 Greeks are all that remain in Egypt. The largest communities are those in Cairo and Alexandria, followed by the Greek populations of Ismailia, Port Said and Kafr El Zayiat. But there are still a large number of Greek associations and clubs, as well as schools and cultural centres.

These communities apart, a further major focus of Greek interest is the Patriarchate of Alexandria, whose activities extend across the entire African continent. Relations with the Egyptian Coptic Church and the Egyptian state are excellent. Another important Greek presence is the Monastery of Saint Catherine, an Orthodox religious community founded in the 6th century and the main attraction for cultural and religious tourists visiting the Sinai peninsula.

VII. Embassy Details