Greece and Armenia Sign Military Cooperation Agreement

Days after the Declaration of Friendship by Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Turkish President Erdogan, the Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, met with his Armenian counterpart.

Dendias emphasized Greece’s support—along with the European Union’s participation—for the resumption of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia so as to achieve regional peace and security. The meeting was attended by Dendias’ Armenian counterpart, Suren Papikyan, as well as Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defense, Ioannis Kefalogiannis.

Greek Security Minister’s Meeting With Armenian Counterpart

During their discussions, Minister Dendias emphasized the strong bonds of friendship that exist between Greece and Armenia, which are based on shared tragic memories and the significant Armenian communities in Greece.

Minister Dendias acknowledged the current challenges in the Caucasus region, Ukraine, and the Middle East, which have resulted in regional instability. In response to this instability, Greece strongly supports dialogue based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Greece defends all states’ territorial integrity and sovereignty and opposes any violent border changes. Dendias informed his Armenian counterpart about recent developments between Greece and Turkey, emphasizing that complex issues cannot be resolved in a single meeting.

Military Agreement Between Armenia and Greece

Minister Dendias also mentioned the signing of an agreement with Armenia in the military-technical sector and highlighted its importance in fostering innovation and strengthening Greece’s defense industry.

Signed a Cooperation Agreement during our meeting with the Minister of Defence of Armenia @papikyan_suren in the Military-Technical field. A field which is a top priority for the Hellenic Government. pic.twitter.com/8wJ0qOX7KM

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) December 14, 2023

 

He expressed Greece’s readiness to collaborate with friendly and allied countries such as Armenia and to continue enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit.

On his part, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan expressed gratitude for the official invitation and stressed that Armenian-Greek bilateral defense cooperation has a rich history. The military-technical agreement was also discussed, with Papikyan stating that it provides a strong legal framework for improving bilateral relations in this area.

Papikyan revealed that their meeting focused on the outcomes of bilateral defense cooperation and its future prospects. Both Greece and Armenia believe that their cooperation is of the highest caliber and encompasses all of their respective Armed Forces’ capabilities, including training, exercises, and education.

Mitsotakis, Erdogan Sign Friendship Declaration Between Greece and Turkey

Recently, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a friendship declaration between Greece and Turkey in Athens in a symbolic move that confirms the warming of relations between the two nations.

The declaration commits both countries “to refrain from any statement, initiative, or act likely to undermine or discredit the letter and spirit of this Declaration or endanger the maintenance of peace and stability in their region.”

In addition, it calls on both countries “to resolve any dispute amicably arising between them through direct consultations between them or through other means as provided for in the United Nations Charter.”