YEREVAN. – Armenian News-NEWS.am interviewed Greek Ambassador to Armenia, Ioannis Taghis. 

Ambassador Taghis, how would you assess the current level of relations between Greece and Armenia?

The Greece-Armenia relations are excellent, and they are based on the rich historical past of the two countries. Our two peoples have always had close relations ever since ancient times. In recent years, Greek President Karolos Papoulias’ visit to Armenia in 2007 and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s return visit to Greece in 2011 have highly contributed to the development of relations between our countries. Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian’s official visit to Greece this March likewise gave new impetus to the development of our relations.

Let us not forget the contribution of the large Armenian community in Greece and the Greek community in Armenia to the enhancement of the bilateral relationship.      

In the European context it should be noted that Greece stands ready to contribute to the cooperation between Armenia and European Union.

Armenia has already signed several agreements with EU, which include the relaxation of the visa requirements with EU member countries and successfully completed the negotiations for a future association agreement.

How would you assess the Armenian-Greek economic relations? What prospects for development do you see in this domain? Which domains of the economy could they refer to? 

I believe the Armenian-Greek economic ties have a big potential though now are well below   the level of political relations between the two countries. They can improve in domains such as pharmaceutics, construction, high technology, food trade, etc.   

As for Greece, I can say that the economy is stable and all the conditions are in place for successful investments in Greek economy, specifically in the domains of tourism, construction, and real estate.   

Tourism is very much developed in Greece. Armenia likewise attaches a great importance to this sector. In your view, to what extent is tourism development full of prospect in Armenia?  

Truly, there is a great potential for tourism development in Armenia and it is a promising sector in your country. In my view, the development of tourism can be of importance for the economy as a whole.

Do you agree with the view that tourism obstructs the development of other domains?

Diversification is important for all economies, but if a country has especially potential in a specific field why not to benefit of it.

The Greek economy is going through a difficult period. In your view, what are the ways out of this situation? Some even mention the need to leave EU and the eurozone. Is there such need?  

Greece was among the first European countries affected by the debt crisis and with the support of the EU and the IMF the Greek Government implements an ambitious economic adjustment programme in order to improve the country`s competitiveness and macroeconomic outlook through fiscal adjustment and structural reforms. These efforts have already started bearing fruit: total debt has been reduced, Greece is expecting a primary fiscal surplus in early 2014, the competitiveness of the economy has increased and the business environment is improving making the country more attractive for foreign investments. Nevertheless the continuous austerity measures have adversely affected unemployment and recession. There must be therefore a balance between the necessary fiscal solidity and an effort to boost growth and tackle the unemployment and this is the direction Greek Government is moving.

No one speaks any more about Greece leaving the eurozone let alone the EU as some people used to predict a year ago and the euro itself looks stronger.

What impact has the economic crisis had on ordinary Greek citizens? Do the regularly-occurring protests and strikes undermine the addressing of economic problems, or do they promote finding better solutions?    

Criticism and protests commonly happen in all democratic countries where the citizens freely express their view and to some extent they can contribute as you say in the adoption of the right policy. In Greece the austerity measures as I said before have had a direct social impact. In view of that the Government has made consistent efforts to protect especially the most vulnerable parts of the society besides the steps taken to boost growth.

And do the rank-and-file [Greek] citizens already feel the positive results of the present-day economic policy [in Greece], or is time still needed for this?

I believe the positive results and changes are already seen and they will be soon more clearly felt, when new jobs are created. The fact that the Greek products have again started to compete in the global market likewise bespeaks the reviving of the economy. All the   indicators show that the competitiveness of the Greek products in the global market has increased markedly.      

In your view, should a diplomat set before himself an objective when assuming the position of an ambassador in a country? 

The work of a diplomat is important and, certainly, the ambassador of a country should set objectives before himself when being appointed to his/her post. And these objectives depend on the relations between his country and the state where he is appointed as ambassador. In my case I will consider it a personal reward if I`ll be able to substantially contribute to the consolidation of the excellent relations between Greece and Armenia.

Do you remember your first impressions upon arrival in Armenia?

I was very positively impressed by the very modern look of Yerevan airport. I must also mention the fascinating special architectural color of the old buildings of Yerevan.

You have worked in a variety of countries. Can your mindset change by visiting new countries? Do you receive anything from a new culture?    

Of course. Every diplomat can learn many things when working in different countries. During his work, a diplomat familiarizes with new cultures, new conditions, gaining experiences which enrich and broaden his way of thinking.

They say the Armenians and the Greeks have many things in common. Do you agree? What are the similarities and the differences between our peoples?

The two peoples are very close to each other sharing the same social, moral and political values, with the exception of language.

Is there something you miss a lot by being far away from Greece?

I love Greece very much with the special meaning that homeland always has for everybody and I have always missed [it] wherever I have worked. But I would say I miss Greece much less here in Yerevan, since we are very close to Armenians in terms of mentality, life style, and even cuisine.

And in the end, what would you wish to the Armenian people? 

I wish peace, progress, and welfare to the people of Armenia.

By Artur Khemchyan