Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the intensified contacts with Turkey in recent months have given a serious impetus to the normalization process between the two countries.
Modern.az reports that he voiced these thoughts during a panel discussion on “Institutionalization of Peace, Regional Connectivity, and Armenia's Integration into the European Union” held at the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia–Turkey contacts have significantly intensified compared to previous periods, and the process is now continuing at various levels: “Since our last meeting, contacts have increased between both the Prime Minister and President Erdoğan, as well as between foreign ministers, special representatives, and relevant ministries.”
He emphasized that despite diplomatic relations not yet being established, “very active negotiations” are being conducted with Ankara on a practical level.
The Armenian leader also announced that he expects a political decision from Turkey: “I hope that Ankara will take the long-awaited step, the borders will be opened, and diplomatic relations will be restored.”
Pashinyan also noted that the normalization of Armenia–Turkey relations, the achievement of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the TRIPP project, good-neighborly policy with Georgia and Iran, as well as constructive dialogue with Russia, could transform the South Caucasus into one of the most attractive transit locations, alongside the North–South and East–West routes.
“We are trying to make the most of this historic opportunity,” Pashinyan concluded his speech.
