Interview of Ambassador Extraoridnary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Greece, Tigran Mkrtchyan, with the news program of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT)

20 July, 2025

Q: Ambassador, I welcome you to our program. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to discuss with you. Armenia and Greece have traditionally had very close relations. In your opinion, what are the elements that keep these relations strong, and what are the current priorities of Armenia's diplomatic mission in Greece to further strengthen these relations?

Amb: First, thank you very much for inviting me. I am happy to answer your questions. Of course, you are right. Greek-Armenian relations are very old, and we have been friends for centuries. One could say that we are blood brothers. And of course, based on the new realities we face, we are developing cooperation in political, cultural, trade, and defense sectors. The Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia is visiting Greece for a few days to sign new cultural and other agreements. The defense cooperation sector is also very important, and we give it high priority. There has been significant progress in recent years, and of course, we will continue down this path. The political dialogue is very strong. Our Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Greece often speak with each other and meet, as do our foreign ministers.

So, summarizing our strong relations with Greece, they should lead to strategic cooperation. We already have similar agreements with the USA, France, the UK, and the Netherlands, and our relations with Greece are essentially on par with them. Therefore, I believe that in the coming months, perhaps years, we should discuss how to deepen our relations in this direction.

Q: Of course, I believe that relations between Greece and Armenia can become even closer, as you mentioned with the USA and the UK, but before talking about that, I understand that you have a good understanding of Hellenism, having served in Cyprus as well. How was this experience for you? Perhaps you have a message for Cyprus today?

Amb: Armenia's principled position on the Cyprus issue is that a just, lasting, and peaceful solution must be found, based on UN Security Council resolutions and international law. All those who have lost their loved ones, friends, and who continue to suffer from the consequences of this invasion. As we say today, "We do not forget" (Δεν ξεχνάμε). Of course, there are also many Cypriot Armenians who still live in Cyprus, and they also have relatives there, so it is a shared pain.

Q: So, you also mentioned other countries with which you cooperate. What is the future of Armenia's relations with the European Union? How do you think these relations will continue in the future?

Amb: Thank you. Our Prime Minister recently held a very interesting press conference in Armenia, and on the same question regarding Armenia’s future in the European Union, he said that in 20 years, he envisions Armenia as a member of the European Union. Of course, it is a lengthy process that needs to be followed. Our Parliament passed a new law regarding Armenia’s EU membership. Of course, we still don’t know how this situation will develop, but Armenia has a new, very ambitious reconstruction agenda for the entire country. At the moment, Armenia-EU relations are at the highest level ever, and the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is in the implementation phase. The new Armenia-EU Partnership agenda is about to be signed. New agreements will also be signed. We have a visa regime liberalization process aimed at making travel easier.

But in EU relations, the cornerstone is our values, our common values. It’s not just about trade, selling something and buying something else, it’s about our values. Armenia shares the same value system as European countries, and it’s no coincidence that Armenia is moving in this direction.

Q: Naturally, of course, so let's focus on political relations. I also wanted to ask you about your region, about your country. Armenia is moving towards the future, making progress in many areas. Of course, geographically, you are close to Azerbaijan. How do you view the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan? What future do you foresee for the peace efforts being made?

Amb: This is often discussed, I know, from the President of the United States to others in Europe. Last week, a meeting took place in Abu Dhabi between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan. The meeting was positive, at least it seemed that way. So, the peace agreement should be signed. The countries have already announced that the text of the agreement is ready for signature. This agreement is quite comprehensive, addressing all the issues we have, all the problems. Because sometimes Azerbaijan insists that we must do certain things, and we insist on the opposite. However, the text of this agreement addresses and encompasses all of these conditions, and it can be signed at any time. As soon as Azerbaijan is ready to sign it, we are prepared.

As for our side—Armenia—since 2023, the government has proposed the "Peace Crossroad" program. It’s a concept, an idea to open all communication routes in the region, of course, respecting the sovereignty of each country. This "Peace Crossroad" is for peace, diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation. It is not only for regional cooperation, such as just for the South Caucasus or a broader region, but it can become a bridge from Europe to China, incorporating all the regions in between. It could turn into very important international cooperation. And of course, we have support from the EU, the USA, and of course, from Greece, as well as many other countries. We need the consent of our neighboring countries to move forward.

Q: And the final question, please. Regarding your allies and neighbors. Of course, there are many players in this game, such as Russia and Turkey. How are Armenia's relations with these two countries, and what scenarios does Armenia consider?

Amb: Not only from Russia and Turkey, we expect, hope for, and wish that all countries respect Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Armenia and its independence should be respected by all, and there will be no tolerance for any interference in Armenia’s internal affairs.

Regarding Turkey, we believe that Armenian-Turkish relations should be normalized, and the borders should be opened as soon as possible. I think at this moment, there is a positive trend from both the world and Turkish sides to normalize relations between us. And this normalization of relations is inevitable. It is not about "whether" Armenian-Turkish relations will be normalized, but rather "when" it will happen. I believe this will also encourage Azerbaijan to engage more in resolving relations with Armenia.

Q: Thank you, Ambassador. You were live from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Hellenic Republic, and we would love to meet again.

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