Political Relations

The bilateral relations between Greece and Switzerland are very good. Over the last few years, official visits have increased, most recent being the presence of the former Minister of Culture, Mrs. Lambraki-Plaka in Basel, for the inauguration of the exhibition of “the sunken treasure of Antikythera” at Antikenmuseum, 26 September 2015.

On February 4th, 2014, Federal Councillor of Finance, Mrs.Widmer-Schlumpf paid a working visit to Athens and met with Greek Deputy Minister of  Finance, Mr. Mavraganis, as well as with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Of utmost importance was the official visit of President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Papoulias to Bern, 2 May 2014 and his meeting with his Swiss counterpart, Mr. Didier Burkhalter. It was the first official visit of a Greek President to Switzerland, after the establishment of diplomatic relations of our two countries (1917). He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni and Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Dimitrios Kourkoulas. A broad spectrum of bilateral and international issues were discussed. During his stay in Switzerland, President Papoulias had the opportunity to visit CERN in Geneva.

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Venizelos met his homologue, Mr. Burkhalter, in New York, during the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly (25 September 2013), in view of the upcoming Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU (first semester 2014).

Another official visit was that of the Speaker of the Greek Parliament, Mr. Evangelos Meimarakis to Bern (24 – 26 September 2013).

The Parliaments of both countries maintain groups of MPs, which work for the promotion of parliamentary relations, better understanding and co-operation between the two countries (Friends of Greece and Switzerland, respectively).