Armenia and Greece: A Millennial Bond Evolving into Strategic Partnership
Il presente articolo di Carlo Coppola è stato pubblicato in italiano al seguente link: https://www.incittagiovinazzo.it/2025/09/11/armenia-e-grecia-necessita-presenti-spunti-dal-passato-e-prospettive-per-il-futuro/
The recent statements by Armenian Ambassador to Greece, Tigran Mkrtchyan, during his visit to Crete and his interviews with the Greek press offer an illuminating glimpse into the relationship between Armenia and Greece. Mkrtchyan is widely recognized within Armenian diplomatic circles for his extensive expertise and the proactive approach with which he interprets his role. A profound scholar of the critical aspects of the Armenian question—both from external and internal perspectives—he is an exceptionally sharp analyst and an excellent interlocutor whom many would want as an advisor on tactics and strategies across all fields of knowledge. But beyond these qualities, one stands out above all: his ability to articulate his country's story and institutional activities with precision, presenting their essence in terms most appropriate to various circumstances.
Ancient Roots in Cretan Soil
The Armenian presence in Crete is no recent phenomenon, but rather traces its origins to the Byzantine era. History tells us that in 961 AD, when Nikephoros Phokas liberated the island from Arab rule, his army included Armenian troops who settled permanently, founding four villages called "Armeni"—three of which still bear this name today. This historical episode symbolically represents the millennia-old interweaving of the two cultures, united not only by geographic proximity but by shared values and common destinies.
As Ambassador Mkrtchyan emphasizes, Greeks and Armenians are "among the most ancient Christian peoples, with an independent spirit." This commonality of values has enabled both peoples to navigate the trials of history while maintaining their cultural and religious identity. The Church has played a central role for Armenians, especially during periods without an independent state and after the genocide, becoming the guardian of national identity.
From Historical Ties to Strategic Cooperation
In the contemporary geopolitical context, Armenian-Greek relations are assuming growing strategic importance. The Ambassador highlights how there already exists "regular high-level political dialogue" and "close cooperation in the defense sector"—elements that testify to the maturity of bilateral relations.
The presence of Archbishop Yezhnik Petrosyan in Crete represents more than a mere ecclesiastical event: it symbolizes the strengthening of community bonds that form the social foundation of international relations. The placement of the relic of Saint John the Baptist in the Church of Saint Karapet in Heraklion demonstrates how the spiritual dimension continues to be a unifying element among Armenian diaspora communities in the Mediterranean.
Untapped Potential Across Multiple Sectors
The potential for growth in cooperation is evident across several sectors. The cultural and educational sphere is already experiencing a moment of expansion, as evidenced by the photographic exhibition dedicated to Armenian UNESCO cultural heritage, which achieved great success in Athens and subsequently in Crete. This initiative demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can be an effective vehicle for strengthening bilateral ties.
Tourism represents a sector of enormous potential. The Ambassador's enthusiasm for Crete, which he calls "one of the most beautiful places in the world," and his invitation to Armenians to visit the Hellenistic temple of Garni in Armenia, suggest how tourist exchange could become an engine of economic growth and mutual understanding.
Economic and technological cooperation is expanding, with Armenia actively participating in the international trade fairs of Thessaloniki through its Honorary Consulate, promoting what is termed "economic diplomacy."
Cultivating the Future
Ambassador Mkrtchyan employs a particularly effective metaphor to describe the nature of Armenian-Greek relations: "Just as a fruit tree needs care to avoid withering, so too do these relationships require constant cultivation." This image captures the essence of the approach needed for the future: not taking historical ties for granted, but continuously investing in new forms of cooperation.
The challenges of the 21st century require that Armenia and Greece, while maintaining their national specificities, work together to address common issues such as regional security, sustainable economic development, and the preservation of cultural identities in a globalized world.
The Ambassador's visit to Crete, described as "the first official visit by an Armenian ambassador to this highly important region of Greece," symbolically marks the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations, characterized by a more systematic and territorially articulated approach.
A Model for Strategic Partnerships
In conclusion, Armenian-Greek relations emerge as a model for how peoples with common historical roots can build modern strategic partnerships capable of responding to contemporary challenges without losing sight of the fundamental values that have united them over the centuries. In an increasingly fragmented Mediterranean, this alliance between two ancient Christian nations offers a template for cooperation grounded in shared heritage yet focused firmly on the future.
Carlo Coppola
