FM: Türkiye ties normalization of relations to Yerevan-Baku negotiations

A dynamic and positive dialogue has been established between Armenia and Türkiye, according to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. 

He made this statement during a budget discussion in parliament, Caliber.Az citing Armenian media.

“The dialogue is conducted in terms of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, opening the border, unblocking transportation, and other communications,” Mirzoyan explained.

He noted that experts from both countries have been assessing the infrastructure on the border and mentioned that a similar assessment of the Gyumri-Kars railroad section will be conducted in the near future. However, he pointed out that Ankara links normalization with the Armenian-Azerbaijani process. Despite this, Yerevan remains optimistic about the normalization of relations.

Earlier, on October 18, Mirzoyan emphasized the necessity of launching the Gyumri-Kars railroad at the 3+3 ministerial meeting in Istanbul. He stated, “After joint assessment of the condition of the bridge between Armenia and Türkiye, the Armenian side completed the construction and technical equipment of the Margara border checkpoint on the Armenian-Turkish border.”

Mirzoyan recalled that Yerevan and Ankara had already agreed to jointly assess the technical requirements for crossing the border via the Gyumri-Kars railroad. “This complements the decisions already made on the establishment of direct flights between Armenia and Türkiye and mutual lifting of bans on air transportation,” he added.

The Armenian Foreign Minister believes that the launch of the Gyumri-Kars railroad between Armenia and Türkiye, together with the railroad connection between Armenia and Azerbaijan, will ensure efficient communication between the Persian Gulf and the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean Seas.

“Armenia is sincerely interested in this and has already repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to developing regional communications and strengthening the interconnection of neighbours based on the principles of the UN Charter, in particular—sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and political independence,” Mirzoyan concluded.

For the first time in recent years, Armenia and Türkiye agreed to consider the possibility of launching railroad communication between the countries. This topic was actualized after the fifth round of talks between the special representatives of Armenia and Türkiye, Ruben Rubinian and Serdar Kılıç.

By Tamilla Hasanova