I. Diplomatic Relations

Bilateral relations between Greece and the United States are founded on long-standing cooperation and a broad framework of treaties; another strong link is the presence of sizeable Greek communities in the US. There are nine Greek Consular Authorities in the US.

II. Political relations:

From a historical point of view, relations between Greece and the US date back to the great philhellene movement which prevailed in Europe and America in the early 19^th century, with strong support being poured out to the Greek Nation in its fight for independence and its efforts to establish an independent Greek state. 

The tradition of friendship and cooperation between Greece and the US continued and was further strengthened in the late 19^th century and throughout the 20^th century. Having fought on the same side in both World Wars, being both members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and given the sizeable and flourishing Greek community in the U.S., and the shared values on which the two countries political institutions are based, they have a strong foundation for excellent bilateral relations.

A series of international developments including our country's joining the international communitys efforts to tackle new global asymmetric threats, the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and the rapprochement between NATO and Russia, as well as the EU and NATO enlargement, contributed to further strengthening relations between the two countries, either through common regional cooperation (western Balkans, eastern Mediterranean. Caucasus, Afghanistan) or through their joint participation in international organisations and multilateral treaties.

The exchange of visits by officials from the two has also contributed to the development of their bilateral relations. The visit of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to the U.S. (from 19 to 22 May 2004) was particularly successful and laid the foundations for an enlarged cooperation between Greece and the U.S. on a wide range of international and regional issues. The most recent visits included the visit of Foreign Minister Ms. D. Bakoyannis to the US (22-24 March 2006), and the visit of U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Mr. Matthew Bryza on 12 & 11 April 2008.

The shared will of Greece and the United States on further promoting and breathing new life into their bilateral economic and trade relations led to the successful resumption of the proceedings of the Economic and Commercial Cooperation Commission (ECCC), which had been set up in 1998. The most recent session of this Committee was held on 19-20 June in Washington and had a successful outcome through the exchange of views on issues of development and business cooperation as well as the promotion of mutual investments. With regard to Greeces inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, the relevant consultations are under way.

The intensification of the exchange of views on energy issues (security, alternative sources, our countrys role as a hub) sets off a new strategic sector for bilateral rapprochement. 

High level visits (2004-2008)

III. Framework of Treaties governing bilateral relations:

There is a broad contractual framework linking Greece and the U.S.

The field of defense cooperation an important part of general bilateral cooperation is governed by the 1990 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) and the Comprehensive Technical Agreement (CTA) signed on 13.6.2001.

The above contractual framework stems, of course, partly from the contractual framework governing the relations of the two countries within the North Atlantic Alliance. Moreover, a multitude of agreements govern specific areas of our bilateral relations.

V. Economic and Trade Relations

With regard to bilateral trade exchange: Greek exports to the U.S. have significantly declined mainly due to the euros rise against the dollar. Imports, on the other hand, rose by 41.5% in 2007 further increasing Greeces trade deficit with the U.S., which reached 568 million.

VI. Cultural relations between Greece and the United States

There are cultural events and exchanges organised on state initiatives by state services and Greek community organisations, the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the Archbishopric, various foundations (mainly the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation), and also other private agencies.

Such events are held thanks to cooperation with relevant agencies in the US or public administration or municipal services or other organisations of special interest. 

Educational relations between Greece and the United States are institutionally governed by the relevant 1948 agreement. This agreement provides for the establishment of a Foundation for educational exchange, the Fulbright Foundation.  This foundation is financed by the Ministry of National Education and Greek private agencies, it awards Grants to Greek and American students, professors, teachers, artists, scientists, and researchers, and facilitates exchanges of young scientists.

With the 1980 Agreement on economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural cooperation (ratified in 1991), the two countries committed themselves to supporting programmes for the reciprocal promotion of their languages and cultures.

The reinforcement of already existing Greek language and civilisation academic departments, centres or seats or initiatives for setting up new ones is a firm policy on the part of the Greek government, and these efforts are assisted by private bodies. Finally, the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on the protection of cultural goods is being promoted.  

VII. The Greek Community in the US in figures

Although it is impossible to quote exact figures of Greeks living in the U.S. it is estimated that the community is 2,500,000 strong, most of whom reside in or around major American cities such as New York,  (500,000), Chicago (400,000) and Boston (250,000).

There are several other large Greek communities however, notably in the State of Florida, Greater San Francisco and Los Angeles, and around Houston in the State of Texas.

The ethnic Greeks in the U.S. have been fully assimilated into American society, but they have not forgotten their ties to their mother-land, whilst many of them distinguish themselves in their chosen field of activity (business, culture, politics, etc.).

More particularly, after the Presidential & Senate elections in November 2008, the following representatives of Greek origin are members of the U.S. Congress: John Sarbanes (Maryland), Gus Bilirakis (Florida), Shelley Berkley (Nevada), Zachary Space (Ohio), Niki Tsongas (Massachusetts), Dina Titus (Nevada), Suzanne Kosmas (Florida), Jane Mitakides ((Ohio) & James Trakas (Ohio).

VIII. Embassy Details


Last modified: November 2008