Greece and Armenia signal regional shifts in defense and trade

Greek officials and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Athens for the 6th round of the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue. The discussions focused on defense cooperation, energy, and regional stability. Greek officials highlighted the importance of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement and the strategic value of the Souda Bay base in Crete and Alexandroupoli. Greece also expressed its intention to modernize its air force with F-16 Viper aircraft and integrate F-35s. Regarding maritime security, Greece indicated it could cooperate with the U.S. to provide necessary naval power in the Strait of Hormuz, provided there is a sustainable peace process.

In a separate regional development, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the TRIPP project (Zengezur Corridor) during the Armenia-UK Business Forum. Pashinyan stated that the administration is working daily to implement the project, which aims to connect Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through southern Armenia. He noted an increase in investment interest in Armenia and expressed anticipation for the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the restoration of railway connections between Armenia and its neighbors.