When we talk about peace, cooperation and regional development, we cannot overlook the other complex issue concerning our western neighbor. Armenian Foreign and International Trade Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made this statement at a joint meeting of the National Assembly’s standing committees on Foreign Relations, Regional and Eurasian Integration, European Integration, and Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs.
According to him, Armenia’s dialogue with Turkey is quite active and productive.
“There have been specific examples of cooperation, and they will continue, such as scholarships for students, the joint restoration of the historic Ani bridge, and Armenia–Turkey business forums. One such forum was held in Kars this summer, and the next stage will be an Armenia–Turkey business forum in Armenia. I think we will be able to hold it early next year,” Mirzoyan said, noting that the first forum had attracted considerable interest and expressing confidence that the second would likewise draw interest from businesspeople in both Armenia and Turkey.
The Foreign and International Trade Minister Minister highlighted one significant step in this gradual progress, recalling that Armenia-Turkey trade had previously been conducted through third countries as a matter of technical procedure, and that this obstacle had been removed this year.
“I mean the import and export of goods from Armenia to Turkey and from Turkey to Armenia. This is now direct in customs terms, although geographically it still takes place through the territory of a third country, Georgia,” he explained.
According to Mirzoyan, despite all the progress, the positive momentum and the substantive achievements, the Armenia-Turkey border remains closed for now. However, he has had occasion to say several times that the process has matured to such a degree, and the sides have reached such a good mutual understanding on numerous issues, that the Armenia-Turkey border could open and diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey could be established at any moment.
