According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics in Armenian-Turkish relations but emphasized the need for more active measures.
In an interview with the agency, Kostanyan highlighted the importance of the recent meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York, calling it "a very positive step." According to him, the leaders of both countries demonstrated a willingness to reach mutual understanding.
The Deputy Minister recalled the agreement reached in July 2022 in Vienna on opening the border for third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports. "We have completed all the necessary infrastructural and technical preparations and are ready to implement the agreement," Kostanyan stated.
The Armenian diplomat expressed particular optimism regarding the possible resumption of the Gyumri-Kars railway connection. In his view, this would bring economic benefits not only to Armenia and Turkey but to the entire region, unlocking new logistical opportunities.
"The Kars-Gyumri railway could become Armenia's new gateway to Europe, and Turkey's gateway to Central Asia and China," Kostanyan emphasized.
In conclusion, he called for more decisive action, stating: "The time to act is now. We must not waste any time."
Earlier, BMG reported that the process of normalizing Armenia-Turkey relations began in early 2022. The first meeting of special representatives from Armenia and Turkey took place on January 14 in Moscow. Following that, the envoys held three more meetings in Vienna.
On July 1, 2022, in Vienna, Rubinyan and Kılıç agreed to facilitate the crossing of the Armenia-Turkey land border for third-country citizens and holders of diplomatic passports as soon as possible. However, these agreements have not yet been implemented.
Despite the closed border and lack of diplomatic relations, trade between the two countries has continued almost uninterrupted during the post-Soviet period. According to the Statistical Committee of Armenia, the trade turnover between Armenia and Turkey from January to May of this year exceeded $131 million. Of this amount, only $225,000 accounted for Armenia's exports to Turkey, while the remaining sum represents imports of Turkish goods into Armenia.
The trade figures for the five-month period are only $2 million higher than in the same period in 2023.
