The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts the countrys foreign policy, represents the country before other states and international organizations, participates on its behalf in international cooperation initiatives and mechanisms at the international, European and regional levels and advocates Greek interests, both public and private, abroad.

The competences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs primarily involve:

• Representing Greece before foreign states
• Representing Greece and participating on her behalf in the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other international organizations and conferences
• Representing Greece in the European Union and participating in the process of European Integration
• Safeguarding the rights and interests of the Greek State and implementing international conventions and international law        
• Promoting international cooperation, security and peace, protecting human and minority rights, world solidarity in dealing with humanitarian issues through participation in international initiatives, and providing humanitarian and development aid  
• Enhancing the image of Greece and of Greek culture abroad and promoting international cultural cooperation
• Informing the international community about the possibilities for economic and business cooperation with Greece
• Safeguarding the rights and interests of Greek citizens abroad and providing assistance with their administrative affairs
• Fostering closer relations between the Greek Diaspora and their homeland, and supporting them in preserving their mother tongue and their distinctive cultural identity
• Co-ordinating Greek ministries, and other authorities and agencies on issues relating to the countrys foreign relations.              

The mission and competences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are set out in detail in Articles 2 and 4, Law 2594/1998 (Gov. Gaz. A' 62/24-3-1998).