Armenia’s President Khachaturyan Holds State Talks in Athens With Greece’s Tasoulas
By Bosphorus News Staff
Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan paid a four-day state visit to Greece from February 17 to 20, 2026, at the invitation of President Konstantinos An. Tasoulas, with meetings centered at the Presidential Palace (Προεδρικό Μέγαρο) in Athens, according to official statements from both presidencies.
The visit combined ceremonial events, political consultations, parliamentary outreach and business engagement, underscoring historically rooted ties and an effort to widen cooperation into technology, economy and regional security.
Official Welcome at the Presidential Palace
On February 18, Khachaturyan was formally received by Tasoulas at the Presidential Palace following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Athens.
According to the Greek Presidency’s official programme, the day included a private meeting between the two presidents, expanded talks with delegations, an exchange of state decorations and an official luncheon hosted by President Tasoulas.
Greek officials present included Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Michail Loverdos, Secretary General of the Presidency Aliki Chatzis, and Secretary General for International Economic Relations Dimitris Skalkos.
The Armenian delegation included Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy; Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry; and Hayk Konjoryan, Chair of the Armenia–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group.
During the ceremony, President Tasoulas awarded Khachaturyan the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer, while the Armenian president conferred the Order of Glory on his Greek counterpart.
Peace Process Reference
In remarks released by Armenian official sources, Tasoulas directly addressed the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace track, stating:
“Greece supports Armenia’s efforts to advance peace and stability in the South Caucasus. I hope that the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed soon, for the benefit of the peoples of the region.”
Khachaturyan described relations with Greece as being of “special importance” due to shared civilizational and cultural heritage.
“Our relations have experienced dynamic development across political, economic, cultural, scientific and educational fields,” he said in Athens.
Technology and Digital Governance Agreement
A memorandum of understanding in the field of digital governance, high technology and scientific research was signed during the visit.
Armenian officials said the agreement covers cooperation in 5G technologies, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and digital public administration systems.
The signing involved Armenia’s First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Gevorg Mantashyan and Greek officials responsible for digital governance, as reflected in the official schedule.
Parliamentary and Business Engagement
On February 19, Khachaturyan met Nikitas Kaklamanis, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament.
According to Armenian sources, Kaklamanis reaffirmed Greece’s support for Armenia, while Khachaturyan emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy during a sensitive regional period.
The Armenian president also addressed representatives of the Greek business community at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting opportunities in technology, infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan argued that evolving geopolitical conditions create opportunities to link Central Asia to Europe via Armenia, describing Greece as a potential strategic node in that corridor.
Cultural Diplomacy
The programme included visits to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture and the Byzantine and Christian Museum, where the exhibition “Prayer for Peace” by Armenian photographer Tatev Mnatsakanyan was inaugurated.
Official schedules from the Greek Presidency confirm that this was the first Armenian presidential state visit to Athens in a decade. The programme combined protocol, policy dialogue and sectoral agreements, reflecting an effort to translate longstanding political ties into structured cooperation across security, technology and economic domains.