Armenia Seeks to Normalize Relations with Turkey: Mirzoyan's Interview with Anadolu Agency

During a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to Anadolu Agency, in which he highlighted that the Armenian population generally wishes to normalize relations with Turkey, a sentiment reflected in public opinion surveys.

- What is your assessment of the ongoing normalization process between Turkey and Armenia?

Answer: Overall, we evaluate it positively. Armenia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and open borders. I was pleased to hear from my Turkish counterpart that there is also political will on their side to advance the process toward this goal. I believe that now, when events in the world are developing rapidly, we should not hesitate to take concrete steps.

- What are the benefits of the normalization process for the Armenian and Turkish peoples?

People are already benefiting from direct flights between Yerevan and Istanbul. The opening of borders will have a positive impact on communication between the two countries, trade relations, interaction among people, and, in general, stability in the region.

- Will there be reciprocal official visits between Turkey and Armenia? Have you sent an invitation to Turkish officials to visit Armenia, or have you received an invitation to visit Turkey?

I would like to emphasize that this is the first visit by a senior Armenian official to Turkey in the last decade. It is unnecessary to mention that if the normalization process goes smoothly and we achieve positive results, there may be reciprocal visits.

- What can you say about the Armenian people's approach to the normalization process?

Overall, the Armenian population wants to normalize relations with Turkey. This is also reflected in public opinion surveys. Of course, there are groups in both Armenian and Turkish societies that are, let's say, skeptical about this process. Officials from both sides need to take political leadership to address these issues. During my meeting with Minister Cavusoglu, we exchanged views on certain sensitive points, and I hope that these will be taken into account.