Greek Armenian relations have long constituted a distinct chapter in Greek foreign policy. Two nations with deep historical and cultural roots, shared experiences, and strong bonds of solidarity have built a relationship of trust that transcends routine diplomatic contacts. Over the past five years, however, this historic friendship has taken on even greater substance and increasing strategic importance.
The current momentum did not emerge from a vacuum. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have cultivated close cooperation. The 1996 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, agreements in the defense and economic sectors, and successive visits by Presidents, ministers, and parliamentary delegations laid solid foundations. The last five years, therefore, represent a continuation of this trajectory, marked by intensified diplomatic activity and the expansion of cooperation into new areas. Since 2021, Greece has hosted Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Khachaturyan, and National Assembly Speaker Simonyan, as well as Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense and other high-ranking officials. Similarly, the visits to Yerevan by Greek Ministers Gerapetritis and Dendias in 2024 were of particular significance.
This institutional activity has also yielded tangible results. Between 2023 and 2026, at least 11 bilateral cooperation agreements were signed, including accords and memoranda covering defense, investment, education, culture, digital governance, and university cooperation. This represents a significant expansion of the existing legal framework, with a particular focus on areas that address the contemporary needs of both countries.
The economic figures are also significant. According to the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade in goods rose from $21.6 million in 2021 to $53.2 million in 2025, marking an overall increase of approximately 146%. Despite fluctuations in the intervening years, this shift is significant. At the same time, the volume of trade indicates substantial room for further growth, particularly in the sectors of energy, agri food, tourism, construction, and new technologies.
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Tourism provides another encouraging indication of the growing ties between the two countries. Over the past five years, Armenia has experienced a substantial expansion in international tourism, while travel from Greece has also increased significantly. According to Armenia’s Statistical Committee, the number of visitors from Greece rose from 2,212 in the first half of 2024 to 3,039 in the corresponding period of 2025 and 3,718 in 2026, representing an increase of approximately 68% in just two years. Although the figures remain relatively modest, this upward trend reflects growing interest in Armenia as a destination and highlights the considerable potential for further cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people relations.
Against this backdrop, the tenure of Armenia’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Tigran Mkrtchyan—which began in 2021—coincides with a period of highly active and multifaceted diplomatic engagement. The Embassy’s systematic communication with government and parliamentary officials, local authorities, and the business and academic communities, combined with a strong emphasis on cultural diplomacy, forms a body of work that contributes to maintaining and deepening bilateral ties.
The strategic dimension of this cooperation is becoming increasingly evident. As a member state of the European Union and NATO, Greece can play a pivotal role in Armenia’s engagement with Europe, while deepening relations with Yerevan strengthens the Greek presence in the South Caucasus. Defense cooperation, political dialogue, and a commitment to international law lend this relationship broader geopolitical significance.
Despite this positive trajectory, the period ahead offers opportunities for even more ambitious initiatives. Boosting investment, fostering business partnerships, expanding academic exchanges, and increasing the participation of the younger generation can generate additional momentum.
Of particular importance is the prospect of the first official visit by a Greek Prime Minister to Armenia, following Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s acceptance of the invitation for September 2026. Such a visit could mark the next significant step in upgrading bilateral relations.
Thirty-four years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, Greece and Armenia now possess the foundations for an even deeper strategic partnership. The past five years confirm that a historic friendship can translate into tangible results. The goal for the coming years is for this dynamic to achieve an even greater economic, institutional, and social impact.
*Tigran Ghalumyan is an economist actively involved in several youth organizations and a member of the Armenian community in Greece, with a research focus on economic policy and international affairs.