Media: Türkiye advances Armenia normalisation talks in coordination with Baku

Türkiye is advancing its dialogue with Armenia through careful and coordinated diplomatic steps, fully aligned with Azerbaijan’s regional priorities.

This approach was highlighted in an article by the STAR newspaper, as reported by local media, following the June 20 meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul.

The publication described the Istanbul summit as a “new impetus” for peacebuilding efforts in the South Caucasus, where Armenia is reportedly seeking closer ties with Türkiye amid evolving circumstances related to Iran.

According to STAR, the geopolitical landscape of the region underwent a major transformation after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. The outcome significantly altered the balance of power, reinforcing Türkiye’s influence, while compelling Armenia to explore options to break free from long-standing economic isolation.

The paper stressed that normalising relations with Ankara has become a strategic necessity for Yerevan, rather than a voluntary political choice. “The opening of the land border with Türkiye is a central pillar in Armenia’s strategy to ensure its long-term viability,” the article stated.

It further argued that the Ankara-Yerevan rapprochement is a vital precondition for unlocking the Zangezur corridor, a proposed transport link between mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan.

President Erdoğan formally received Prime Minister Pashinyan with an official ceremony in Istanbul on June 20. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was also present during the talks.

The high-level meeting focused on bilateral contacts between Türkiye and Armenia, the broader peace and dialogue process in the South Caucasus, and key regional developments.

During the discussions, Erdoğan underlined the importance of the progress made in the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for regional development based on a “win-win” framework that benefits all parties involved.

The two leaders also reviewed future steps in the normalisation process between Ankara and Yerevan. President Erdoğan emphasised that Türkiye is employing all diplomatic tools not only to stabilise the Caucasus but also to promote peace across the wider region. He added that Ankara remains actively engaged with international partners to help prevent further escalation following Israel’s military actions against Iran.

By Tamilla Hasanova