Ruben Rubinyan, a deputy from the ruling “Civil Contract” Party in the Armenian parliament and former special representative for normalization with Turkey, reported on the process of normalizing Yerevan-Ankara relations.
Modern.az reports that opposition MP Kristine Vardanyan asked Rubinyan about the results achieved in normalizing relations with Turkey over the past five years and why the promise made in 2022 to open the border for citizens of third countries has not yet been realized.
Rubinyan stated that a number of agreements have already been implemented within the framework of the normalization process. According to him, Yerevan-Istanbul flights have been restored, direct cargo transportation between the two countries has become possible, and customs barriers for direct trade have been removed.
He added that Armenian entrepreneurs have been enabled to transport goods via the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway through Turkish territory. Rubinyan called this an important economic change for Armenia.
According to the deputy, the parties have also created a working group to explore the possibilities of joint restoration of the historic Ani bridge and the restoration of the Gyumri-Kars railway. He stated that Turkey has already started restoration work on the part of the railway located on its territory.
Rubinyan emphasized that the agreement on opening the border for citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports remains in force. According to him, Armenia has completed all infrastructure preparations for this purpose, Turkey has also finalized its work, and the implementation of the agreement is currently awaited.
