Within the framework of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. During the meeting, the normalization process between the two countries, especially the development of cooperation in the fields of trade and transport, was discussed. Erdoğan stated that Turkey is interested in continuing the positive dynamics achieved in the direction of normalizing relations with Armenia.
He also emphasized that the developing cooperation between Ankara and Yerevan within the framework of international organizations contributes to the normalization process and invited Pashinyan to the COP31 Leaders' Summit to be held in Turkey. At the meeting, the progress made in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia was also positively evaluated. The meeting between the President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Armenia is of interest in terms of what it promises for the future direction of Ankara-Yerevan relations, as well as the impact of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process on Turkey-Armenia normalization.
Şamil Ayrım, a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, stated that the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is extremely important:
"I consider the meeting of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as an important meeting that strengthens the political will towards the normalization of relations. Our President's special attention to trade and transport issues also indicates the main directions in which progress can be made in the coming period. Specifically, the continuation of the work carried out between special representatives, the completion of preparations related to border crossing points, the facilitation of trade and the expansion of relations between entrepreneurs can be expected. The fact that the Armenian side's statement regarding the meeting also included the joint restoration of the historical Ani bridge shows that cooperation in the field of cultural heritage can also serve to strengthen mutual trust. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in May that bureaucratic preparations for direct trade had been completed. This change allows Turkey or Armenia to be indicated as the final destination or country of dispatch in the documents of goods transported through third countries. Work on opening the land border is also continuing separately. My expectation is that political dialogue will yield concrete results that strengthen mutual trust and manifest themselves in the lives of our citizens. However, it would not be correct to state a specific date for the opening of the border as there is no precise calendar announced in this regard."
Ş. Ayrım emphasized that the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement is still a key issue in terms of opening borders and establishing diplomatic relations:
"In my opinion, ensuring a lasting and implementable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is one of the main issues for the normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations. It is not possible to evaluate the processes taking place in the South Caucasus separately. Turkey-Azerbaijan brotherhood and alliance are fundamental for us. We approach the development of relations with Armenia also taking into account the security and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, as well as the goal of ensuring lasting peace in the region. In this regard, it is important that the issue related to the Armenian Constitution is also resolved. The expressions related to Karabakh in the Declaration of Independence, which is referenced in the preamble of the Armenian Constitution, are considered by the Azerbaijani side as a claim against its territorial integrity. Mr. Ilham Aliyev has also openly stated that they consider the amendment of this constitutional reference necessary for the signing of the final peace agreement. I also believe that lasting peace must be based on strong legal guarantees. Therefore, I consider it important to eliminate the disagreements created by the constitutional reference to that declaration, as well as expressions such as 'Western Armenia' which cause sensitivity for Turkey. Respect for the sovereignty, existing borders and territorial integrity of neighboring countries must be ensured in a way that leaves no room for doubt. The signing of the peace agreement and the implementation of its provisions can create more favorable conditions for the opening of the Turkey-Armenia border and the establishment of diplomatic relations. Within the framework of this process, I also consider it important to continue steps that strengthen mutual trust in the fields of trade, transport and people-to-people contacts."
The parliamentarian emphasized that the Zangezur corridor can strengthen Turkey's transport connection with the main part of Azerbaijan via Nakhchivan:
"The main importance of TRIPP is that it envisages the creation of a transport route between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan passing through the territory of Armenia. The announced framework of the project is based on the principle of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction of the respective countries. The operation of this route can strengthen Turkey's transport connection with the main part of Azerbaijan via Nakhchivan. When considered together with the routes passing over the Caspian Sea, additional opportunities will arise for our trade with Central Asia. I consider this an important opportunity that can expand the capabilities and alternative routes of the Middle Corridor. New opportunities may arise especially for Iğdır and Kars. The connection of the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway project to this regional network can pave the way for new investments in terms of logistics, warehousing, export and employment. Producers in the region will have easier access to markets, and new cooperation opportunities will arise for Turkish companies in the fields of infrastructure, transportation and services. Of course, economic benefits will depend on the completion of the infrastructure, the provision of safe and stable passage, as well as the efficient organization of customs procedures. Our goal is to create a transport system where the countries of the region will benefit mutually and peace will be strengthened by economic cooperation. Such a development can also strengthen Turkey's role in trade and logistics connections between Europe and Asia."
Şamil Ayrım said that Nikol Pashinyan's invitation to COP31 is also important in terms of continuing political dialogue:
"I think this invitation is important not only for international climate cooperation but also for the continuation of political dialogue. Our President, during the meeting, emphasized the contribution of developing cooperation within the framework of international organizations to the normalization process and invited Mr. Pashinyan to the COP31 Leaders' Summit. This approach shows that coming together to discuss common issues can also help build mutual trust in bilateral relations. Issues such as climate change, water resources and environmental protection are favorable areas for concrete cooperation among the countries of the region. I evaluate this invitation as an indication of the will aimed at continuing contacts and expanding dialogue. If participation takes place, new opportunities for meetings may also arise. Continuing contacts at the leadership level can help resolve issues that arise in the normalization process. However, it would not be correct to interpret this invitation as a decision already made regarding the opening of the border or the establishment of diplomatic relations. These steps will be considered separately depending on the progress of the normalization process and developments towards peace in the region."
