Image Credits : Daily Sabah
Türkiye and Armenia held their fifth round of normalization talks on Tuesday at the Alican-Margara border crossing. The meeting saw the reaffirmation of agreements from previous discussions, with both countries emphasizing their commitment to continuing the normalization process without preconditions.
Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kılıç and Armenian Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan led the discussions, which focused on technical assessments for the Akyaka/Akhurik railroad border gate and streamlining visa procedures for diplomatic and official passport holders. The goal is to fully normalize relations between the two nations, which have been historically strained due to past conflicts and historical disputes.
The meeting comes after a period of tense relations, marked by a conflict with Azerbaijan and issues related to historical grievances. Türkiye, an ally of Azerbaijan, and Armenia have had minimal interaction since the fall of the Soviet Union, with their relations breaking off in 1993 after Armenia’s takeover of Karabakh. The border was briefly reopened in February 2023 for humanitarian aid deliveries after Turkey’s southeastern earthquakes.
The 2009 peace accord, aimed at normalizing relations, was stymied by domestic opposition in Armenia. However, recent developments, including the 2020 Karabakh war and subsequent shifts in regional dynamics, have renewed efforts to move forward. The current administration under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has shown a willingness to advance talks, supported by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During their June phone call, Erdoğan and Pashinyan reiterated their political will to normalize relations, highlighting the importance of ongoing discussions between their special representatives. They also acknowledged the role of Russia and Azerbaijan in supporting closer ties between the two countries. Despite this support, progress has been slow, with negotiations often at a standstill.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the latest meeting aimed to address technical aspects and simplify diplomatic processes, marking a continued effort to resolve longstanding issues. Both nations remain committed to achieving full normalization, reflecting a broader regional interest in stabilizing relations and fostering cooperation.