Reception Held in Greece on the 34th Anniversary of the Formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia

25 February, 2026

On February 24, a formal reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia was held at the Officers’ Club of the Hellenic Army in Greece.

The event was attended by senior officers of the Ministry of National Defence of Greece and the General Staff, high-ranking officials from various state institutions, members of the Hellenic Parliament, accredited ambassadors and diplomats in Greece, military attachés, representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church community, as well as members of the Armenian community in Greece.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Greece, Tigran Mkrtchyan, and the Defence Attaché of the Republic of Armenia, Colonel Armen Mirzabekyan.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mkrtchyan emphasized the significance of the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Armed Forces, noting that they were formed during a difficult and challenging period, and today are undergoing a phase of substantial transformation, steadily strengthening their defense capabilities. He highlighted that in recent years, the Government of Armenia has implemented significant investments and comprehensive reforms aimed at ensuring the country’s stability, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders.

The Ambassador stressed that Armenia’s security and resilience are not directed against any country, but are aimed at guaranteeing the right of its citizens to live in a peaceful and prosperous environment.

He further underlined that the continued development of the Armed Forces—as a fundamental pillar of the state and a key guarantor of security—will remain ongoing in order to ensure the country’s ability to withstand future challenges. Special reference was made to the strategic importance of deepening cooperation between the Ministries of Defence and General Staffs of Armenia and Greece within the framework of their broad bilateral strategic partnership. Ambassador Mkrtchyan noted that the friendship between the two nations has deep historical roots, and in recent years cooperation has expanded not only in political, diplomatic, and defense sectors, but also in high technologies, education, culture, and the economy.

The Ambassador also recalled that on January 27, the day preceding Army Day, Armenia commemorates the Day of Remembrance and Tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the defense of the homeland, and invited attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory of all fallen heroes, as well as Armen Saghoyan, whose family members were present at the event.

Colonel Armen Mirzabekyan, Defence Attaché, then delivered his remarks, highlighting the historic responsibility of establishing the Armed Forces on January 28, 1992, following Armenia’s declaration of independence.

He emphasized the comprehensive reforms being carried out in the Armed Forces, including the reduction of mandatory military service from 24 to 18 months, the introduction of voluntary military service opportunities for women, the implementation of new service models with an expanded contractual system, as well as the modernization and diversification of armaments.

Particular importance was attached to international military cooperation, especially the strategic partnership between Armenia and Greece. It was noted that long-standing cooperation in military education and professional training has been established, and that Armenian officers educated in Greece today play a significant role in the development of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.

The official remarks were followed by a reception.

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