Policy paper

Memorandum of understanding on: strategic bilateral framework between the Hellenic Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Published 24 November 2021

The Hellenic Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereinafter referred to as the ‘United Kingdom’ or the ‘UK’), together referred to as the “Participants”, note and record the following Understanding;

Introduction

The Participants have long enjoyed excellent bilateral relations based upon our joint history and shared respect for fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. These shared values are reinforced by our common membership of organisations such as NATO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and WTO, and our mutual commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for the peaceful settlement of disputes, international law, including the UNCLOS, good neighbourly relations and the promotion of a rules-based international order. We recognise our shared interests in collaborating to address urgent global challenges such as climate change and the transition to a green economy, global health crises, as well as the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of inclusive growth, with a view to increasing the resilience of societies both in the region and beyond.

In light of our historic ties of friendship and cooperation, based on shared values and exhibited in the strength of our political, economic, defence and cultural relations, we look ahead to a close, shared future relationship in the establishment of this Strategic Bilateral Framework. This Framework will guide and enhance our bilateral partnership and strengthen our international cooperation, reaffirming at the same time our joint commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. The Participants will use regular bilateral consultations to assess progress, exchange information and propose new initiatives for cooperation, including, but not limited to, the following areas;

Foreign and regional policy

• improve bilateral management of regional and global challenges through the development of and cooperation in international and regional institutions
• cooperate within the United Nations in an effort to prevent conflicts and respond to regional and international crises
• exchange views on regional and global architecture
• strengthen bilateral and multilateral dialogue and cooperation in support of shared foreign policy objectives and in pursuit of the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance
• cooperate to reduce risks and promote stability, security and prosperity globally, including, among other priorities, in the Western Balkans, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa regions

Bilateral defence cooperation

• build upon the Joint Vision Statement as the foundation for our shared Defence Activity, to be signed at the next available opportunity
• work closely as NATO Allies to ensure that NATO remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security and enhance Europe’s resilience against security and hybrid threats
• explore opportunities for cooperation between our defence industries in support of the mutual development of technologies, capabilities and skills

Trade and investment

• create an optimum environment for trade and investment between the Hellenic Republic and the United Kingdom, identifying and exploring mechanisms for enhancing this relationship
• ensure the best possible business relations via involvement of the business communities

Digitalisation

• expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in digitalisation, particularly in the areas of digital health services and digital government

Tourism

• expand and strengthen cooperation in the promotion of bilateral tourism and facilitation of seasonal workers

Maritime affairs

• expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in maritime affairs through knowledge exchange and technical cooperation on maritime issues, including; maritime security, safety of navigation, maritime industries and maritime diplomacy

Health

• expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in health, building upon the ongoing cooperation of the competent Authorities of the two countries during the Covid-19 pandemic

Education, research, innovation and culture

• expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and culture, building upon our ongoing educational and cultural cooperation
• encourage exchange and cooperation in the fields of research, science and innovation

Law enforcement

• explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in law enforcement, complementing ongoing cooperation of the competent Authorities of the two countries via the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
• work to increase UK-Greece cooperation, particularly in the Western Balkan region, including through joint efforts with regional governments to tackle Serious Organised Crime, illegal migration, corruption and illicit financial flows

Migration

• expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation on migration, including through an annual strategic migration dialogue, as provided for in the UK-Greece Migration Action Plan. Areas of focus should include information sharing, dismantling migrant smuggling networks (and judicial cooperation to facilitate prosecutions), maritime border security, and exchange of best practice in asylum processes

Climate change and environmental issues

• consolidate and strengthen bilateral cooperation in key environmental areas including on domestic climate legislation, investment and research into renewable energy sources, biodiversity, resilience and adaptation to climate risks

Establishing a mechanism of cooperation

The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic will have overarching responsibility for this Strategic Bilateral Framework and will establish an annual dialogue at which they or their representatives will review progress, propose new initiatives and consider possibilities for further dialogue and cooperation.

The Hellenic Republic’s Ambassador to the UK and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic have delegated authority from their respective foreign ministries as the two Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) to ensure that progress is reviewed regularly and updated.

Review mechanism

At the request of either Participant, this Strategic Bilateral Framework may be reviewed or modified by mutual consent. Any such modification will be done in writing and would come into effect on a date to be decided by mutual consent.

The foregoing represents the understanding reached between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Hellenic Republic upon the matters referred to therein.

The Hellenic Republic will pursue the goals of this Framework in full conformity with its obligations arising from EU membership.

This Framework is not legally binding and does not give rise to any rights or obligations under domestic or international law. It will come into effect on signature and will continue in operation until terminated by either Participant giving six months’ written notice of termination to the other.

Signed in duplicate at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, London, in the English and Greek languages, with both texts having equal validity.