Greece–Lebanon relations

Greece–Lebanon relations are the foreign relations between Greece and Lebanon. The relation between both people dates back to early antiquity, with the early trading activities between the ancient Greeks and the Phoenicians. In modern times, Greek-Lebanese bilateral relations are very good at all levels. Greece has an embassy in Beirut and Lebanon has an embassy in Athens. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Francophonie.

In recent years following internal crisis and wars, migration from Lebanon has increased.^[1] Greece is also considered as a spiritual reference for the Lebanese Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities.^{[citation needed]}

History

The Greek-Lebanese relations are traditionally very friendly and are characterized by mutual respect and trust. Along the historical nature between the two states, Greece has been a strong supporter of Lebanese political causes since 1948 and was the only country, along with Cyprus, to happily welcome Lebanese citizens during the Lebanese Civil War.

In the diplomatic and political field, there is a good state of cooperation and a 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 country's reconstruction, not only at an economic but also political level. The humanitarian aid offered by Greece to the Lebanese people, during the recent 2006 Lebanon War is estimated at € 2.5 million, including financial contributions. Furthermore, financial assistance offered by Greece through international organisations reached €273,500. At the recent International Donor Conference in Paris (January 25, 2007), Greece announced further assistance funds for the construction of Lebanese infrastructure, worth €5 million.^[2]

The president of the Hellenic Republic, 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 meeting of the two countries' business communities. The Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis visited Lebanon at the end of August in order to be fully informed by Lebanese officials on the country's state of affairs, in view of Greece's presidency of the UN Security Council in September 2006. Other visits to Lebanon were also carried out by the head of the main Greek opposition party, George Papandreou and the Greek Deputy Finance Minister.^[2]

After the 2020 Beirut explosions, Greece sent with a C-130 military aircraft, a Special Disaster Unit search and rescue team. The team consisted of 12 members, a sniffer dog, two vehicles and equipment. The team was accompanied by the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister. The Greek Ministry for Civil Protection and Crisis Management said that it remains in contact with Lebanese authorities and stands ready to send more assistance if requested, while the Greek Prime Minister said that Greece is ready to send additional help and medical equipment to Lebanon.^[3] In addition, the Greek Jason-class tank landing ship Ikaria was sent to Lebanon with health professionals and medical supplies and equipment.^[3]

Agreements

Major interstate agreements include:^[2]

Agreement of judicial assistance and expulsion
Agreement for the promotion and mutual protection of investments
Consular convention of trade, shipping and installation
Trade Agreement
Agreement on international road transport for passengers and merchandise
Educational Agreement for Cultural and Scientific Cooperation. Following the entry into force of this agreement, the 1949 Educational Agreement is no longer valid
Agreement for economic and technological cooperation
Agreement for cooperation in the field of tourism. Following the entry into force of this agreement, the Agreement on Cooperation on Tourism of 1970 is no longer valid.
Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation of income from shipping of air transport
Protocol of economic, scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Cultural relations

Greece's contribution in the cultural field is significant, given that the Ministry of National Education and Religion grants 17 scholarships a year to Greek Universities and Technical Institutes. In Lebanon, there is an association of Lebanese Graduates from Greek Universities LLGGU [1] presided by Dr.Georges Scheib and founded in 1994, whose members are approximately 140. Also within the framework of EU programmes, several Agronomy graduates have completed their studies at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania. The existing could have further exploitation for further educational and cultural cooperation.^[2]

Diaspora

Greeks in Lebanon

The Greek community in Lebanon included no more than 2,500 people before the 2006 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. Currently,^[when?] there are an estimated 1,500 Greek citizens living in Lebanon.^[4][conflict with below]

There is a sizeable^{[clarification needed]} Greek Muslim population in Lebanon, namely Tripoli, which is usually overlooked by the Greek state. Recently^[when?] the Greek Muslims have increasingly vocalized their opinion of gaining citizenship^{[citation needed]}which is relevantly reserved for Christians^{[citation needed]}. The Greek language is retained by most people in these communities. Greek Muslims make up a majority of Greeks in Lebanon with figures standing at over 10,000 people^{[citation needed]}.

Lebanese in Greece

The Lebanese community in Greece currently includes approximately 30,000 citizens, concentrated mainly in the urban area of the capital Athens.^{[citation needed]} Increased emigration from Lebanon in recent years has been attributed to, among other factors, decreased faith in the current Lebanese government and economy.^[1]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]