Ankara, Yerevan share goal of full normalization: Armenian minister

ANTALYA/ISTANBUL

The Armenian foreign minister said Saturday that Türkiye and Armenia share a common understanding that the ultimate goal of talks is the full normalization of relations, including the establishment of diplomatic ties and the opening of borders.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ararat Mirzoyan said he met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to focus on ties and regional developments.

“We both have the understanding that the final goal, the aim is to fully normalize relations, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and including opening the whole border,” he said.

The meeting also addressed potential opportunities to normalize ties.

“Our dialogue is not only about merely establishment of diplomatic relations and formally opening the border. It's about the huge trade that can take place between two countries. We (also) have discussed some joint energy projects and 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, Middle Eastern issues, our views, our perceptions are closer than one could assume,” he added.

Meanwhile, he noted that several tangibles have been already taken between Ankara and Yerivan in areas such as “using airspace,” while discussions have been held by specialists from both countries regarding the Margara-Alican border crossing and the Gyumri-Kars railway.

He acknowledged, however, that progress had stalled on some fronts. “Like we had an agreement to open the border for third-country nationals and also citizens of Armenia and Turkey who have diplomatic passports. This agreement is not still, unfortunately, being implemented.”

Azerbaijan-Armenia relations

On peace talks with Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan said a “historic and unprecedented” agreement is ready to be signed.

Commenting on Azerbaijan's condition to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group as part of a peace agreement, Mirzoyan stated, "If there is no conflict, then there is no need for this Minsk Group as well."

The minister noted Yerevan wants to sign the peace agreement with Azerbaijan and the document to dissolve the Minsk Group on the same day.

Addressing Azerbaijan’s demand for a constitutional amendment in Armenia as a condition for guarantees on territorial integrity, Mirzoyan argued that sufficient assurances are already in place.

He added that recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity would be included in the prospective peace agreement.

Mirzoyan stated that following the signing of the agreement, Armenia would no longer require the presence of a EU monitoring mission.