State Revenue Committee Prepares for Reopening of 'Margara' Checkpoint at Border with Turkey

The State Revenue Committee is preparing for the reopening of the 'Margara' checkpoint at the border with Turkey for citizens of third countries and those holding diplomatic passports. The information was announced by the Chairman of the SCC, Rustam Badasyan, during a briefing with journalists after a government meeting, in response to a question about the status of the Armenia-Turkey border reopening efforts.

“We are currently preparing with other state bodies to ensure that the border checkpoint operates as quickly as possible once a final decision is made. In other words, we are conducting preparatory work to implement customs procedures smoothly,” said Badasyan.

It is worth noting that diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey do not exist, and the border has been closed since 1993 at Turkey's initiative. The complex relationship is influenced by various factors, including Turkey's support for Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and its sharp response to the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

In December 2021, Yerevan and Ankara announced their readiness to take concrete steps towards normalizing relations, appointing special representatives from both sides. Ankara appointed former ambassador to Washington, Serdar Kilic, while Armenia appointed Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ruben Rubinyan.

Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the parties agreed to continue full normalization negotiations without preconditions. Following the earthquakes in Turkey on February 6, Armenia sent a rescue team to assist in search and rescue operations. Two batches of humanitarian aid were also sent to Turkey. For the first time in 30 years, trucks crossed the land border over the Margara bridge. Subsequently, Armenian rescuers returned home via the same route.

Additionally, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited Turkey on February 15. Following talks with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the parties announced their commitment to accelerate dialogue and the border opening process. The restoration of the Ani Bridge and border infrastructure was also discussed in a joint press briefing.