State Visit of the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan to Greece

 At the residence of the President of Greece, an official welcoming ceremony was held for President Vahagn Khachaturyan, who arrived in Athens on a state visit. This was followed by a private meeting between President Vahagn Khachaturyan and President of Greece Konstantinos Tassoulas.

“Relations with Greece are of special importance for Armenia, due to the civilizational and cultural ties between our two countries,” President Vahagn Khachaturyan stated at the beginning of the meeting.

“We are pleased to note that our relations have dynamically developed in various fields: political, economic, cultural, scientific, and educational. Recent years have been difficult for our country, but the current authorities, the Government, and the political team managed to overcome these challenges. This was also achieved thanks to our friendly countries,” said the President of Armenia.

Vahagn Khachaturyan emphasized that Armenia aspires to move closer to European values.

The President of Armenia also referred to the declaration signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8, 2025, with the testimony of President Donald Trump, and to the opportunities arising from it, particularly the efforts aimed at establishing peace in the South Caucasus.

Concluding his remarks, the President of Armenia invited the President of Greece to visit Armenia.

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An expanded meeting of the delegations of the two countries, led by President Vahagn Khachaturyan and President of Greece Konstantinos Tassoulas, took place at the Presidential Residence of Greece, within the framework of President Khachaturyan’s state visit to Athens.

At the start of the meeting, President Tassoulas emphasized that the relations formed between Armenia and Greece are developing dynamically and without obstacles on the political level. In his assessment, the current high-level political dialogue should give new impetus to the deepening and expansion of cooperation in the economic, military-educational, and other fields.

President Vahagn Khachaturyan thanked for the warm reception, stressing that relations with Greece have been and continue to remain one of the priority directions of Armenia’s foreign policy. The President highlighted the partnership based on mutual trust and expressed readiness to consistently develop the bilateral agenda through concrete steps.

During the meeting, the sides thoroughly discussed the opportunities for fully realizing the potential of cooperation in various fields. Issues related to intensifying economic ties, promoting the investment environment, establishing direct contacts between business communities, and implementing joint projects were discussed. The continuity and further development of military-educational cooperation were also emphasized.

The sides underscored the importance of effective cooperation within international organizations, including the European Union, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, and other multilateral platforms, based on shared values and mutual support.

The regional developments in the South Caucasus were also addressed. The steps and initiatives aimed at advancing the peace agenda, opening borders, and economic unblocking were discussed. The sides emphasized the importance of consistently continuing efforts to establish stability and long-term peace in the region, with the aim of deepening cooperation and economic interconnectedness.

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The President of Greece, Konstantinos Tassoulas, awarded President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is on a state visit to Athens, with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer.

In turn, President Vahagn Khachaturyan awarded his counterpart with the Order of Glory.

Following the award ceremony, the President of the Republic made an entry in the book of honorary guests.

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During his state visit to the Hellenic Republic, President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan visited the Unknown Soldier Monument.

On behalf of President Khachaturyan, a wreath was laid at the eternal flame.

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Within the framework of the President’s state visit to Greece, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the residence of the President of the Hellenic Republic in the presence of Presidents Vahagn Khachaturyan and Konstantinos Tassoulas.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Armenian and Greek sides by Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia Gevorg Mantashyan and Deputy Minister of Digital Governance of Greece Christos Dermentzopoulos, respectively.

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In honor of the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is on a state visit to the Hellenic Republic, an official dinner was hosted on behalf of the President of Greece, Konstantinos Tassoulas.

Toast by President Vahagn Khachaturyan:

“It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be in this beautiful and historic country, the Hellenic Republic. Allow me, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Armenia and personally, to express my deep gratitude to You, Mr. President, and to the friendly people of Greece for the warm reception, generous hospitality, and sincere friendly attitude.

Armenia and Greece are firmly connected by a centuries-old friendship, based not only on historical memory but also on shared civilizational values. We are two ancient peoples whose histories date back to the early stages of human civilization and who, throughout their existence, have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to freedom, dignity, and the creative human spirit.

Greece has bestowed upon humanity the idea of democracy and the foundations of philosophy and science, while Armenia, as the first country to proclaim Christianity as a state religion, has contributed to the formation of universal spiritual heritage. Over the centuries, our peoples have also contributed to the development of architecture, science, art, and cultural dialogue, often serving as a bridge between different civilizations. These values are not merely memories of the past for us, but living guidelines for our political and social choices today and in the future.

Our peoples have also shared difficult trials. The pursuit of historical justice, the protection of human rights, and the need to prevent genocides constitute a common moral obligation for us.

This visit is another important milestone on the path toward further deepening and strengthening Armenia–Greece relations. We are pleased to note that bilateral cooperation is steadily expanding in political, economic, defense, educational, and cultural spheres. The mutual respect and trust between our countries create a solid foundation for elevating cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership.

I consider it particularly important to deepen economic ties, promote investment programs, and exchange experience in the fields of innovation and high technologies. Armenia is also interested in expanding cooperation with Greece in the fields of justice, energy, environmental protection, and within the framework of interregional connectivity projects. I am confident that through joint efforts we can create new opportunities for the prosperity of our countries and peoples.

At the same time, our countries are advocates of stability and peace in their respective regions. Armenia highly appreciates Greece’s consistent support for strengthening peace in the South Caucasus and for the supremacy of international law. We are convinced that dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are the best ways to strengthen regional security.

Armenia–Greece relations go beyond official documents and agreements. They are strengthened by civilizational ties, cultural interaction, and deep mutual goodwill between our peoples. The Armenian community living in Greece and the Greek community highly respected in Armenia are living bridges of our friendship.

This evening is further evidence that our relations are not only strategic but also human, based on sincere warmth and mutual trust. May this state visit give new momentum to our partnership and open a new page in the history of our friendship. And as the great thinker Aristotle noted, friendship is the bond that holds states together.

Allow me to raise a toast in honor of the President of the Hellenic Republic and the friendly Greek people, to the centuries-old friendship and strong partnership between Armenia and Greece, and to the peaceful, secure, and prosperous future of our peoples.”

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Within the framework of his state visit to Greece, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan, together with his counterpart President Konstantinos Tassoulas, visited the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

The presidents attended the exhibition titled “Prayer for Peace” by Armenian photographer and designer Tatev Mnatsakanyan, organized by the Embassy of Armenia in Greece.

The exhibition is dedicated to popularizing and disseminating the culture of peace through the fusion of photographs of prominent figures and the prayers of Gregory of Narek.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, President Khachaturyan delivered a welcoming speech:

“It is a great honor for me to be in Athens today, in this exceptional center of world civilization, and to participate in the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Prayer for Peace,” dedicated to Gregory of Narek, at the Byzantine and Christian Museum. This event is not only an important cultural initiative, but also a deeply symbolic meeting centered on spiritual heritage and the pursuit of peace.

The relations between Armenia and Greece are based on centuries-old friendship, mutual respect, and shared civilizational values. Our peoples are united not only by common historical destinies, but also by the rich layer of Christian faith, humanism, and culture that continues to shape our identity today. Presenting the legacy of Gregory of Narek in Athens is yet another testimony to this friendship, a bridge between the past and the present, between Armenia and Greece.

Theologian, poet, musician, and philosopher Gregory of Narek is one of the profound and most universal figures of Armenian spiritual thought. His works have long transcended national borders and become an integral part of world culture. Masterpiece of Gregory of Narek, The Book of Lamentations, is not only a prayer but also a confession born from the depths of the human soul, where pain, sin, hope, and love merge into a single aspiration, the search for peace and inner reconciliation. It is therefore no coincidence that Gregory of Narek was canonized and proclaimed a Doctor of the Universal Church.

The title “Prayer for Peace” resonates with the challenges of our time. Today, when the world faces uncertainties, conflicts, and a crisis of values, words of Gregory of Narek sound more relevant than ever. He reminds us that peace is not merely a political agreement; it is first and foremost a spiritual state, the result of trust and understanding among people and nations.

Armenia consistently promotes the peace agenda, believing that stable and lasting peace in the region has no alternative. This path is not easy, but it is the only one that can ensure a secure future for our citizens and the entire region. At the core of the peace agenda lie the same values Gregory of Narek spoke about: human dignity, forgiveness, responsibility, and faith in the future.

Culture and art have a special role in this process. They can achieve what politics sometimes fails to do: create dialogue and restore trust. This exhibition invites us to reflect not only on the past, but also on our responsibilities in the present and our tasks for the future.

Dear friends,

I would like to particularly emphasize Greece’s important role in promoting cultural dialogue and the ideas of peace. The historical friendship between the Armenian and Greek peoples obliges us to continue this cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and humanitarian initiatives. We believe that such programs strengthen not only bilateral relations, but also contribute to shaping a more peaceful and harmonious international environment.

Allow me to thank the organizers of this exhibition, the museum’s leadership, and all those who have devoted their efforts to this important initiative. Your work once again proves that culture is a living bridge between peoples.

May prayer of Gregory of Narek for peace resonate not only in this hall, but also in all our hearts. May it serve as a reminder that peace begins with each of us with our thoughts, our words, and our actions.”

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Within the framework of his state visit to Greece, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing that since Armenia’s independence, relations between the two countries have been developing dynamically, based on historical friendship and mutual trust.

“I am pleased to be in Athens today, the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. The friendship between our peoples and countries has deep historical roots, on which current cooperation is built. Friendship groups operate effectively in the parliaments of Greece and Armenia, contributing to the continuous development of cooperation between the two countries,” the President noted.

In his remarks, Nikitas Kaklamanis stated: “Today we are pleased to welcome the President of the Republic of Armenia to the Hellenic Parliament. Greece and Armenia are connected by centuries-old historical and cultural ties. We reaffirm our support for the Republic of Armenia. The President of the Greece–Armenia Friendship Group in the Hellenic Parliament is present here. This will be a good opportunity to discuss a number of strategic issues.

I would like to emphasize that all just demands presented by the Republic of Armenia will receive Greece’s support. I also want to highlight the role of the Armenian community, which is of great importance. Mr. President, dear colleagues, once again I welcome you.”

During the meeting, the sides discussed in detail the ways for developing and deepening parliamentary diplomacy. The active work of the friendship groups in the parliaments of both countries was emphasized as an important tool for strengthening interstate relations. The importance of exchanging experience, cooperation in legislative processes, and implementing joint initiatives aimed at developing democratic institutions was highlighted.

The sides also addressed the expansion of cooperation on international platforms, the intensification of mutual visits, and the continuity of dialogue on issues of strategic importance, emphasizing that cooperation between the parliaments of Armenia and Greece plays an important role in the further development of bilateral relations.

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During his state visit to Athens, President Vahagn Khachaturyan met with representatives of Greek business circles at the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The meeting was also attended by diplomats, businesspeople from various sectors, and public and government officials.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ioannis Bratakos, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the President of the Republic.

During the meeting, President Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered a welcome address and emphasized the importance of initiating and frequently holding such bilateral meetings and forums. In his remarks, the President noted that the political, historical, friendly, and cultural ties between Armenia and Greece guarantee great potential for cooperation in various segments of trade and economic relations between the two countries, which today requires full realization. He also expressed hope that high-level reciprocal visits would contribute to the formation and expansion of economic ties.

During the meeting, a presentation was delivered on Armenia’s economic attractiveness and the opportunities available in the investment environment.

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During his state visit to Athens, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered a lecture at the prestigious Delphi Economic Forum think tank in Greece.

The forum was founded in 2016 and is considered the “Greek Davos.” Its annual conferences host more than 1,000 speakers, including politicians, scientists, and journalists, as well as global leaders.

During the lecture, President Khachaturyan presented the current economic situation in Armenia, the reforms implemented in recent years and those planned, as well as ongoing changes in the country’s economic system. The President also addressed the main directions of economic development, the potential for technological advancement, and future prospects.

The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of the public and private sectors, and journalists, including Niovi Ringou, Head of the Representation of the European Commission, Michel Spinellis, Secretary General for International Relations at the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, Gikas Hardouvelis, President of the National Bank of Greece, and Member of Parliament Dimitrios Kairidis.

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Within the framework of his state visit to Greece, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with representatives of the local Armenian community.

During the meeting, the President presented the latest developments in Armenia’s domestic political and social life, touching upon the systemic reforms being implemented by the government. In particular, steps aimed at strengthening defense capabilities, improving the effectiveness of the healthcare system, ensuring the quality and accessibility of education, and enhancing social protection mechanisms were highlighted.

President Khachaturyan noted that the foundation of state policy is the well-being of citizens and the security of the country. According to him, the implemented programs and initiatives are aimed at achieving long-term and sustainable results, strengthening state institutions, and consolidating society.

During the meeting, the President answered questions from community representatives regarding Armenia’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, regional developments, and the strengthening of ties between the homeland and the Diaspora.

The implementation of joint initiatives aimed at expanding economic, educational, and cultural cooperation was also emphasized.