“For me, this is, of course, first of all, an opportunity to speak to you and through you, to your colleagues, to the Turkish society, because I have the feeling that sometimes there are some perceptions in both societies which do not necessarily reflect the true, real relations and perceptions among the leaderships of the two countries. So I think this is a very good opportunity”, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with Turkish media.
“I just had a meeting with Minister Fidan. That was, of course, not the first meeting of ours. We had a very good discussion about our bilateral agenda, the steps that have been implemented bilaterally, but also the plans, and general regional issues as well, as you may assume”, Mirzoyan said.
A journalist asked if the minister can elaborate on tangible results.
“Look, if you speak about the Armenia-Türkiye bilateral agenda, several tangible steps already have been implemented, like using the airspace, like the specialists from the two countries who made an evaluation of the infrastructure on Margara-Alican ground passage, the checkpoint on the border. Also, the two countries bilaterally, jointly made an evaluation of the infrastructure of the Gyumri-Kars railway, part of which is on the border. Several days ago, specialists from two countries met in Türkiye, specialists from different agencies, and the aim is the restoration of the Ani historic bridge, again on the border. There are several other plans.
But also, we both have the understanding that the final goal, the aim, is to fully normalize relations, including establishment of diplomatic relations and opening the whole border. Moreover, today, interestingly, I and Minister Fidan and the delegations, we discussed opportunities that can bring normalization of relations. I mean, I’m saying this to show that our dialogue is not only about merely establishing diplomatic relations and formally opening the border. It’s about a huge trade that can take place between the two countries. It’s about, and we have discussed, some joint energy projects, transit opportunities. Moreover, we have touched upon the topic of cooperation on international fora as well, because the reality shows that sometimes when it comes to, for instance, to Middle Eastern issues, our views, our perceptions are closer than one could assume. So there are lots of opportunities”, Mirzoyan said in response.
