Armenia continues constructive engagement in normalising ties with Türkiye, envoy says

Armenia continues to pursue consistent and constructive engagement in the normalisation of relations with Türkiye, Armenia’s ambassador to Iran, Grigor Hakobyan, said in an interview with Iran’s Tasnim news agency. 

“We have indeed recently witnessed an intensification of contacts between Armenia and Türkiye. These contacts are taking place at virtually all levels — between the leaders of the two countries, foreign ministers and special representatives, as well as between the relevant foreign policy and sectoral agencies,” the ambassador said.

Hakobyan noted that another meeting of the special representatives of Armenia and Türkiye was held in Yerevan this year, during which the parties discussed agreements already reached within the framework of the dialogue.

“These agreements include the operation of the Margara–Alican border crossing point [between Türkiye and Armenia — ed.], as well as work on restoring the Gyumri–Kars railway and the Armenia–Türkiye power transmission line. The restoration of the Gyumri–Kars railway is of key importance in terms of regional transport connectivity. Together with the ‘Trump Route’ project, it will form a single railway network linking the three South Caucasus countries with neighbouring regions,” Hakobyan added. 

Armenia and Türkiye have had strained relations since Armenia's independence in 1991. The land border has been closed since 1993, when Türkiye sealed it in solidarity with Azerbaijan during the First Karabakh War. 

Normalisation is linked to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement initialled in August 2025 with U.S. mediation. Türkiye coordinates closely with Azerbaijan. Recent intensification reflects post-2020 shifts, mutual economic interests, and reduced tensions over Karabakh.

By Khagan Isayev