The initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the rapid advancement of the normalization process, have also impacted relations between Turkey and Armenia. Negotiations are underway for the opening of border crossing points between Turkey and Armenia. Turkey states that the final opening of the borders is only possible with Azerbaijan's consent. In other words, this will depend on the steps Armenia takes in its relations with Azerbaijan.
Modern.az reminds that Turkey has two border crossing points with Armenia.
One of these is Alican-Margara, located in Turkey's Iğdır province and Armenia's Armavir region, and the other is Akyaka-Akhuryan, located in Turkey's Kars province and Armenia's Gyumri area. Both border crossing points have been closed since 1993. The reason for this was Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani territories.
Alican-Margara Border Crossing Point
All work by Turkey for the permanent operation of the Alican Border Crossing Point, which has been closed for civilian crossings since 1993 and was temporarily opened last year only for the delivery of humanitarian aid following an earthquake, is nearing completion. Iğdır Governor Fırat Taşolar informed the public about this. Governor Taşolar visited the area with a technical team and noted that the necessary work will be finalized in a short period. Ankara demonstrates its determination with the steps it has taken on this issue. The ball is now in Armenia's court.
According to experts, the opening of the Alican-Margara Border Crossing Point promises advantages in terms of shortening logistics routes towards the Caucasus. It is noted that the formation of an alternative and more efficient transport line for Turkey's access to Central Asian and South Caucasus markets could have a positive impact on regional trade flows. At the same time, the opening of the Alican border crossing could pave the way for softening the "closed border" psychology and increasing mutual human contacts. The intensification of mutual visits could not only boost the development of the service sector in the region but also indirectly contribute to the formation of an environment of trust in Turkey-Armenia relations.
Akyaka-Akhuryan border crossing point
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last year that Turkey would not proceed with the normalization of relations with Armenia until a final peace agreement is signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“If we normalize relations now, we would remove the most fundamental motivation for Armenia to sign a peace agreement,” Fidan had said.
Following this statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Turkish and Armenian envoys inspected the Akyaka-Akhuryan border crossing point and met in Gyumri, Armenia's border city, with the aim of advancing plans for the reconstruction of the Kars-Gyumri railway connection.
According to the institution's information, it was noted that the process of renovating the railway lines could last approximately five months. Local officials, however, emphasized that Turkey is additionally constructing new roads in the region for border patrols to ensure border security.
Experts note that 33 million dollars are needed for the Armenian section of the Gyumri-Kars railways.
