Mirzoyan on the Normalization of Armenian-Turkish Relations

During the diplomatic forum in Antalya, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the Turkish "TRT World" television channel. He addressed several issues of Armenia's foreign policy, including relations with the USA and the EU, the security situation in the South Caucasus, the process of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations, and key issues in the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We are now in Antalya for the diplomatic forum, and looking back at the last year’s relations with Turkey, particularly during the earthquake, we see Armenia’s support for Turkey, the opening of the bridge at the border which had been closed for a long time. The Prime Minister of Armenia attended the inauguration ceremony of the Turkish President. It seems that this has been a new impetus for the normalization of relations between the two countries. How do you see the normalization process at this point? What is missing to take the next step?”

“Speaking about the earthquake and Armenia's response and support, I would like to separate this from the context of the normalization process: normalization is a political process, while when we talk about the earthquake, the loss of human life, the tragedy, the families of the victims, these are different values, a situation that guides us with completely different feelings. We provided support sincerely, as you know, we have seen the devastation caused by the earthquake in northern Armenia, and at that time part of the assistance reached Armenia across the border with Turkey; thus this time, the border was also opened for the rescuers and humanitarian assistance we sent.”

“Regarding the normalization process, you know that we have appointed special representatives who have had active discussions, meetings at the ministerial level, and conversations between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Many things have been done; many issues have been discussed, and we have reached agreements on certain matters, but these have not yet been implemented, for example, the opening of the border for citizens of third countries and for citizens of Armenia and Turkey carrying diplomatic passports. This has been agreed upon, but unfortunately, it has not yet been realized. We hope that this will happen soon. There are also other confidence-building measures that we have agreed upon, such as the restoration of the historical bridge of Ani. This is a process through which we are going, but it is also time to see tangible results on the ground.”

“In general, when it comes to the normalization process and, as you mentioned, confidence-building measures, the economy usually plays a very important role. How do you see trade between Armenia and Turkey?”

“Of course, there is a direct correlation between the opening of the border and the development of trade relations between Armenia and Turkey; one can discuss which will affect the other more, but I am convinced that if we open the border, business connections will develop independently. My impression is that we have leadership, political will from both sides, and if we take the final steps and open the border, then economic ties will develop and find their way.”

During the interview, Mirzoyan also spoke about the idea of joining the EU and the extension of allies.