Armenian PM signals readiness for practical progress with Türkiye

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has provided further details on his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin held in St. Petersburg, highlighting both regional infrastructure issues and prospects for progress in Armenia–Türkiye relations.

As reported by Caliber.Az, citing Armenian media, Pashinyan said that one of the central topics of the discussion was the restoration of railway sections in Armenia that are currently under the concession management of South Caucasus Railways. He noted that these railway lines are strategically important, as they link Armenia with both Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

“If any problems arise during the restoration of the railway tracks that slow down the process, Armenia is ready to restore them independently at the expense of state funds,” Pashinyan said.

The prime minister also addressed the process of normalising relations with Türkiye, stating that he welcomes remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing readiness to take symbolic steps toward normalisation.

“I will say even more: at the level of our bilateral dialogue, the moment has already matured when symbolic—and even not just symbolic, but concrete—steps should take place, and I hope these steps will be taken,” Pashinyan said.

Relations between Armenia and Türkiye have remained strained since Armenia gained independence in 1991. The land border between the two countries has been closed since 1993, when Türkiye shut it in solidarity with Azerbaijan during the First Karabakh War.

Efforts toward normalisation are closely linked to the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement initialled in August 2025 with mediation by the United States. Türkiye continues to coordinate closely with Azerbaijan, while the recent intensification of Armenian–Turkish contacts reflects shifts following the 2020 conflict, growing mutual economic interests, and reduced tensions surrounding Karabakh.

By Tamilla Hasanova