I. Diplomatic relations

Greek-Lebanese bilateral relations are very good at all levels. Greece has an Embassy in Beirout and Lebanon has an Embassy in Athens.

II. Political relations

Greeces relations with Lebanon are traditionally very friendly and are characterized by mutual respect and trust. The reasons are not only of a historical nature, but are also due to Greeces strong support for Arab since 1948 and the fact that Greece hosted 30,000 Lebanese citizens during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).

In the political and diplomatic field, there is an excellent cooperation, whereas within all international fora, there is mutual support for candidacies. Greece actively supported Lebanon during the recent war. It responded immediately to the request for the provision of humanitarian aid and continues to contribute to the countrys reconstruction, not only at an economic but also political level. The humanitarian aid offered by Greece to the people of Lebanon, during the recent crisis (2006) is estimated at 2.5 million euros, included financial contributions. Furthermore, financial assistance offered by our country through international organisations reached 273,500. At the recent International Donor Conference in Paris (25/01/07), Greece announced further assistance funds aimed at the construction of infrastructure, worth 5 million.

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, carried out a state visit in Lebanon from 13 to 16 January 2004. During this visit, relations between Greece and Lebanon were further promoted through the signing of bilateral agreements and the coming together of the two countries business communities. Foreign Minister Ms. Bakoyannis visited Lebanon at the end of August in order to be fully informed by Lebanese officials on the countrys state of affairs, in view of Greece taking over the Presidency of the UN Security Council in September 2006.

A visit to Lebanon was also carried out by the head of the main opposition party, Mr. George Papandreou.

Deputy Finance Minister Mr. Folias visited Beirut at the end of 2004 and met with the Foreign Minister and Minister of Finance and Trade.

III. Contractual Framework Major Interstate Agreements

1.     Agreement of judicial assistance and expulsion (Beirut, 5/4/1975). Ratified by Law 1099/1980 (G.G. 285//7.12.1980). Entry into force: 04/08/1986.

2.     Agreement for the promotion and mutual protection of investments (Athens, 24/7/1997). Ratified by Law 2607/1998 (G.G. 44//4.5.1998). Entry into force: 17/07/1999.

3.     Consular convention of trade, shipping and installation (Beirut, 6/10/1948). Ratified by Legislative Decree 1273/1949 (G.G. 292//31.10.1949). Entry into force: 28/8/1950.

4.     Trade Agreement (Athens, 3/7/1958). Ratified by Law 4158/1961 (G.G. 64/1961).

5.     Agreement on international road transport for passengers and merchandise (Beirut, 21/1/2004). .3314 (G.G. 40/22.02.2005)

6.     Educational Agreement for Cultural and Scientific Cooperation (Athens, 01/10/2001). Ratified by Law 3145/2003 (G.G. 112//8.5.2003). Following the entry into force of this agreement, the 1949 Educational Agreement is no longer valid (Law 2010/1952, G.G. 53//1952).

7.     Agreement for economic and technological cooperation (Athens, 24/7/1997). Ratified by Law 2635/1998 (G.G. 160//10.7.1998). Entry into force: 26/12/1998.

8.     Agreement for cooperation in the field of tourism (Beirut, 24/1/2004). .3381 (G.G. 206/19.08.2005). Entry into force: 21/09/2005. Following the entry into force of this agreement, the Agreement on Cooperation on Tourism of 1970 is no longer valid.

9.     Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation of income from shipping of air transport (Beirut, 13/3/1967). Ratified by Law 131/1967 (G.G. 176/16.10.1967). Entry into force:  31/12/1968.

10.   Protocol of economic, scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agriculture. (Beirut, 21/1/2004) .3307(G.G. 20/01.02.2005) Entry into force: 14/02/2005.

V. Economic and Trade Relations

Lebanon is one of the most important markets for Greek exports in the Arab world. Following the end of the war, the countrys reconstruction efforts opened up new opportunities, but - apart from very few exceptions - the Greek presence was limited.

VI.Cultural relations of Greece-Lebanon

Greeces contribution in the cultural field is significant, given that the Ministry of National Education and Religion grants 17 scholarships a year to Greek universities (AEI) and Technical Institutes (TEI).

In Lebanon, there is an association of Lebanese Graduates from Greek universities, whose active members are not more than 140.

It is also worth noting that within the framework of EU programmes, tens of agronomy graduates have completed their studies at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania.

The existing excellent general background can be further exploited for further cooperation in the cultural field.

VII. The Greek community

The Greek community in Lebanon included no more than 2,500 persons before the recent war, but most of them have been evacuated from the country with Greek ships, in order to avoid war operations. There is a Greek community and also a Hellenic Club in Beirut.

VI. Embassy details

Last Modified: December 2008