Mr. President,
It is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you and your delegation to Greece. Your presence here reflects the heartwarming relations between our two countries, as well as the strong and time-tested bonds of friendship between the Greek and the Armenian people.
The Greek and the Armenian cultures have engaged in a fruitful dialogue for centuries. From classical antiquity and the vivid descriptions of Armenia by the Greek historian Xenophon to the spread of the Greek language and script in Armenian lands during the Hellenistic period and from the multifaceted relations between the two peoples throughout the Byzantine period to our struggles for freedom and the shared traumatic, dramatic experiences of genocides under the Ottoman Empire, Greeks and Armenians have lived together and cooperated closely, inspired by feelings of brotherhood and solidarity.
It is, however, characteristic that the great Greek Enlightenment figure and forerunner of our National Rebirth, Rigas Feraios, in his revolutionary hymn Thourios called on the Greeks and the Armenians to “gird their swords for freedom”!
At the same time, the spiritual and cultural ties between Greece and Armenia are further strengthened by our long Christian tradition, which, despite certain doctrinal differences, contributes to the development of a foundation of mutual understanding and mutual respect between our peoples.
Mr. President,
Throughout their historic life, at the crossroads of continents and civilizations, Greeks and Armenians have faced existential threats, demonstrating remarkable resilience and preserving with courage and pride their identity and their very existence.
However, the friendship between our countries is not confined to the past but forms the basis for a promising future. In this context, we look forward to deeper cooperation across all areas of our bilateral relations, including the economy, energy, culture, education and innovation.
I consider, in particular, that the economic cooperation between our countries has significant room for improvement. Greek companies are in a position to invest in Armenia and I am delighted with your initiative to meet with their representatives at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
At the same time, Greece will continue to consistently support Armenia’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.
In a time of rapid geopolitical changes and questioning of the international legal order, as it stands since the end of World War II, we believe that respect for international law, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, is a necessary condition for the permanent and just resolution of armed conflicts.
In this framework, we welcome the agreements of August 8, 2025, between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which, if implemented in good faith, could transform the South Caucasus from a hotspot of conflict and war into a region of peace and prosperity.
At this point, Mr. President, I would like to thank you warmly for your principled stance and your country’s support for the Republic of Cyprus and the efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, which for more than 51 years has remained an international problem of illegal invasion and occupation. A solution that must be in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the European acquis, without occupation troops and outdated guarantee systems.
Greece, as you know, always seeks good neighborly relations and the resolution of issues based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and, in particular, the Law of the Sea. In contrast to revisionist doctrines that hinder the establishment of conditions of security and stability, we believe that dialogue in good faith is the only path that can lead our wider region into a new era of genuine peace and prosperity.
We also firmly believe that the European path will contribute significantly to the democratic development, social progress and economic prosperity of the countries in our wider neighborhood. In this framework, we note with satisfaction the strengthening of relations between Armenia and the European Union, a course that Greece has already supported – and will continue to support – in a practical and substantive manner.
Armenia is, after all, a natural partner of Europe, due to your country’s commitment to democratic principles and reforms, but also because it is an integral part of European culture and European spiritual traditions. In this context, allow me to congratulate you on Armenia’s upcoming hosting, in early May, of the European Political Community Summit and the first EU-Armenia Summit.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the invaluable importance of the dynamic Armenian community in Greece, which is an integral part of Greek society, as well as the Hellenism of Armenia, which has deep historical roots in the region. In these turbulent times, close human ties constitute the most stable and resilient bridges between our countries.
With these thoughts, I raise my glass, wishing you personally health, strength and success in your mission and to the friendly Armenian people prosperity and the fulfilment of their national aspirations
