1st Annual Review of Greece - UK Strategic Bilateral Framework (06.12.2022)

The Ministers also noted the intention to explore opportunities for sharing best practice and expertise in the field of government digitalisation.

Tourism
The Ministers welcomed this year’s outstanding visitor numbers - the number of UK tourists travelling to Greece this year was the highest ever - and agreed to explore opportunities for further enhancing tourism cooperation and expertise sharing, particularly around diversification and sustainability. The Ministers also committed to working together in response to the practical changes related to the introduction of the new EU Entry and Exit scheme and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System and the upcoming UK equivalent.  

Maritime Affairs
In recognition of both countries’ priorities, as historic maritime nations, the Ministers welcomed progress made so far on operational issues, including for UK-flagged yachts and the mutual recognition of seafarers certificates in accordance with IMO/STCW Convention. They agreed that the UK and Greece will continue to engage and seek opportunities to further develop cooperation in this field, including promoting green shipping and supporting UK/Greek companies in the maritime sector.

Education, research, innovation and culture
The Ministers agreed to further develop opportunities, within the framework of the Bilateral Cultural Convention signed in 1951 and through the UK-Greece Strategic Partnership in Education – established in 2021 to promote international partnerships between UK and Greek Higher Education Institutions, to support student mobility and research collaboration. Work will continue to encourage more institutional partnerships; promote closer collaboration in research and innovation; facilitate further student and teachers’ mobility opportunities.

Law Enforcement
The Ministers noted the excellent level of existing bilateral law enforcement cooperation, including working together to tackle Serious Organised Crime, CT capacity building, strong judicial cooperation, and countering Gender Based Violence. The Ministers noted the potential to further expand this cooperation through smoother exchange of intelligence, and by tackling the illicit finance which underpins serious criminal activity.

Migration
The Ministers noted the regular Home Office and Migration Ministry engagement and dialogue on migration issues, exchanges of best practice, and operational cooperation in managing illegal migration and against organised immigration crime in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ministers noted the commitment to continue both operational cooperation and the exchange of best practice, including maintaining a regular UK-Greece Strategic Migration Dialogue.

Climate change and environmental issues
In recognition of both Greek and UK shared priorities around climate change, including on commitments made at COP27. The Ministers agreed to support continued collaboration and engagement, with a particular focus on the renewables and clean energy sector, green shipping, exploring opportunities for Greek firms to access UK green finance, and strengthening sustainability cooperation between our cultural institutions”.  
Athens, 6 December 2022
Miltiadis Varvitsiotis
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic

Leo Docherty
UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe