I. Diplomatic relations

The presence of a large Greek Diaspora in South Africa led to the establishment of diplomatic relations as far back as the early 20th century.  Greece has an Embassy in Pretoria and South Africa has an Embassy in Athens.

II.   Framework of Treaties

The two countries have concluded a number of bilateral Agreements[i]. The text of Scientific and Technological Cooperation is agreed in principle and is expected to be signed soon.

III. Cultural relations 

Under  previous racist regime of Apartheid, Greece applied strictly all the sanctions that had been imposed in the country. The democratisation in South Africa in 1994 allowed the development of close relations. Greece supports the mediation efforts that South-Africa undertakes in crises in the Sub-Saharan region, as well as the initiatives of President Mbeki to help Africans bring about the rebirth of the African continent.

      Since 2002 the following visits have taken place:

• Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela to Greece (18-26.6.2002)
• Greek Foreign Minister, G. Papandreou  (1-4.9.2002) to South Africa to take part in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
• Former President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Stephanopoulos (29.102.11.2002) accompanied of the Deputy Foreign Ministers Mr. Loverdos and Mr. Magriotis. He had official discussions with the President Mbeki at Cape Town and following he visited the centres of the Greek community in Johannesburg.
• Foreign Minister of South Africa, Mrs. Dlamini-Zuma came to Greece (20- 23.6.2003) for bilateral discussions during the Greek Presidency of the EU.
• Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Skandalakis visited South Africa (10.10-13.10.2004) and was met with the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Pahad as well as with the Greek community.
• President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Mbeki to Greece (24-26.2.2005).

IV.               Economic and Trade relations  

The bilateral trade is moved generally in low  levels.

In 2003, Greek exports to South Africa totalled 16.458.633 Euros and imports 41.067.768 Euros.

Investments: Greek investments in South Africa are estimated at 350.000.000 US dollars (2002 data). The main investments are in plastic piping, foodstuffs, industrial refrigerators and freezers.

Development Aid:  Over the last few years Greece has granted the following aid to South Africa:

1997 - US$ 40.000 to sports clubs in the Soweto and Alexandra regions.

1998 US$ 200.000 for the construction of a paediatric clinic

2003 US$ 200.000 to the education and health sectors

Approval has been given for a programme to be conducted as of December 2004 for the renovation and running of a building to house an educational centre in the Yeovil suburb of Johannesburg.  150.000 euros have been earmarked to finance this programme, which will be conducted by the NGO Solidarity.

-Flow of tourists: In 2004, our consular authorities in South Africa granted 8.025 tourist visas. At the first 10 months of 2005, an increase of 19,5% of visas is presented in relation with 2004.

V. Cultural relations

The main organisations in this sector are:

• The Hellenic Cultural Movement of South Africa (EPNEK), a mixed Greek South African choir.
• The Lyceum of Greek Women
• The South African Society of Greek Philosophy and Human Sciences, which organises conferences and publishes a journal entitled Fronimon.
• The Department of Greek Language of the University of Johannesburg under the direction of professor Hendrickx.
•  There is a seat of Ancient Greek Studies in the University of Cape Town headed by professor Joan Hambidge and the University of Stellenbosch under the direction of professor I. Cornelius.

Many individuals have also been shined in the frame of cultural activities that are addressed both in the Greek community as in the wider South-African public.

VI. The Greek Community

South Africa was a major reception centre for Greek immigrants especially during the mid-20^th century.  The largest Greek communities are in Johannesburg, followed by Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban.   The Holy Metropolis of Ioannopolis and Pretoria and the Metropolis of Good Hope are the main meeting points for the Greek Diaspora.

It is difficult to determine the precise number of Greeks due to constant comings and goings, although the estimated figure is several tens of thousands.

VII. Embassy details

Consular Authorities[ii]

 [i]- Convention on the avoidance of double taxation of income. Signed in 19.11.1998, put in force in 19.2.2003. (O.G. 64/A/18.3.2003)