An Official Dinner Hosted in Honor of President Vahagn Khachaturyan on behalf of the President of Greece, Konstantinos Tassoulas

In honor of the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is on a state visit to the Hellenic Republic, an official dinner was hosted on behalf of the President of Greece, Konstantinos Tassoulas.

Toast by President Vahagn Khachaturyan:

"It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be in this beautiful and historic country, the Hellenic Republic. Allow me, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Armenia and personally, to express my deep gratitude to You, Mr. President, and to the friendly people of Greece for the warm reception, generous hospitality, and sincere friendly attitude.

Armenia and Greece are firmly connected by a centuries-old friendship, based not only on historical memory but also on shared civilizational values. We are two ancient peoples whose histories date back to the early stages of human civilization and who, throughout their existence, have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to freedom, dignity, and the creative human spirit.

Greece has bestowed upon humanity the idea of democracy and the foundations of philosophy and science, while Armenia, as the first country to proclaim Christianity as a state religion, has contributed to the formation of universal spiritual heritage. Over the centuries, our peoples have also contributed to the development of architecture, science, art, and cultural dialogue, often serving as a bridge between different civilizations. These values are not merely memories of the past for us, but living guidelines for our political and social choices today and in the future.

Our peoples have also shared difficult trials. The pursuit of historical justice, the protection of human rights, and the need to prevent genocides constitute a common moral obligation for us.

This visit is another important milestone on the path toward further deepening and strengthening Armenia-Greece relations. We are pleased to note that bilateral cooperation is steadily expanding in political, economic, defense, educational, and cultural spheres. The mutual respect and trust between our countries create a solid foundation for elevating cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership.

I consider it particularly important to deepen economic ties, promote investment programs, and exchange experience in the fields of innovation and high technologies. Armenia is also interested in expanding cooperation with Greece in the fields of justice, energy, environmental protection, and within the framework of interregional connectivity projects. I am confident that through joint efforts we can create new opportunities for the prosperity of our countries and peoples.

At the same time, our countries are advocates of stability and peace in their respective regions. Armenia highly appreciates Greece's consistent support for strengthening peace in the South Caucasus and for the supremacy of international law. We are convinced that dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are the best ways to strengthen regional security.

Armenia-Greece relations go beyond official documents and agreements. They are strengthened by civilizational ties, cultural interaction, and deep mutual goodwill between our peoples. The Armenian community living in Greece and the Greek community highly respected in Armenia are living bridges of our friendship.

This evening is further evidence that our relations are not only strategic but also human, based on sincere warmth and mutual trust. May this state visit give new momentum to our partnership and open a new page in the history of our friendship. And as the great thinker Aristotle noted, friendship is the bond that holds states together.

Allow me to raise a toast in honor of the President of the Hellenic Republic and the friendly Greek people, to the centuries-old friendship and strong partnership between Armenia and Greece, and to the peaceful, secure, and prosperous future of our peoples."