Armenia expects Türkiye to take steps toward reopening shared border

Chairman of the Armenian parliamentary committee on foreign relations Sargis Khandanyan said there has been significant progress in the normalisation process between Armenia and Türkiye, stressing that “the Armenian government and people are ready for full normalization.”

In remarks to Anadolu Agency during the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 Forum, held in the Armenian capital under the theme “Navigating Through the Storms,” he noted that the normalisation process, which began several years ago, is advancing successfully.

Khandanyan pointed to the visit of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to Armenia on May 4 and the planned visit of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Türkiye in June 2025 as indicators of improving political dialogue.

Among key steps in the process, he mentioned the signing of a protocol on the restoration of the Ani Bridge along the historic Silk Road and the launch of direct flights between Yerevan and Istanbul.

Speaking about full normalisation, Khandanyan said: “The people of Armenia are ready for full normalization and we are expecting from the Turkish government to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia and to open the border with Armenia.” He recalled that a previous agenda included an agreement to open the border for third-country citizens and diplomatic passport holders, but it has not yet been implemented.

Despite this, he stressed positive momentum, saying: “Because of the very good political engagement and conversation between Armenia and Türkiye, I think both sides are ready for full normalization, which means the opening of the border for all citizens, everybody.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada