Armenian Side Ready: Kostanyan's Interview with Turkish Media

The Armenian side is pleased with the positive dynamics in the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations but believes that much more can be done in this direction. This was stated by Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan in an interview with the Turkish Anadolu news agency.

The news agency notes that Kostanyan's position follows a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that took place in New York. "We are happy with the positive dynamics in the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, but we believe that much more can be done, particularly in terms of fully normalizing relations, opening borders, and establishing diplomatic relations," said Vahan Kostanyan.

Kostanyan assessed the meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Turkey as quite a positive step, noting that the leaders of both countries showed a willingness to understand each other's positions. The Deputy Foreign Minister reminded about the agreement reached in July 2022 in Vienna regarding the opening of borders for citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports.

"We have once again reaffirmed that the Armenian side is ready. We have completed all the necessary infrastructural and technical preparations, and we are ready to proceed with the implementation of the agreement," said the Armenian Deputy Minister.

According to Anadolu, Kostanyan expressed optimism about future cooperation, particularly regarding the re-launch of the Gyumri-Kars railway. In his opinion, this would bring economic benefits not only to Armenia and Turkey but also to the wider region.

"We know that many logistics chains are currently blocked or not functioning properly, and the Kars-Gyumri railway could become a new gateway for Armenia towards Europe, and for Turkey towards Central Asia and China," he said, adding that there is much more that can be done, and it can be done more quickly. He reiterated the message from the Armenian side that they are trying to convey to their Turkish counterparts: "The time to act is now. We should not waste time."