ISTANBUL

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Wednesday that diplomatic relations with Türkiye will be established and the closed border will open.

Speaking at a press conference, Pashinyan described the discussions in Türkiye as “open and sincere,” stating that the agenda focused on state-to-state ties, rather than only Armenian-Turkish normalization.

Emphasizing the positive outcome of his recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said: “All issues were discussed – from the opening of communications to the restoration of the historical Ani bridge.”

Cited by state-run Armenpress, he acknowledged that no concrete steps were agreed upon, such as opening the land border, but stressed the importance of a long-term approach.

“Such complex and deep issues cannot be resolved with a single action. We need to build trust and prepare the public. But I have no doubt that we will reach that point: diplomatic relations will be established, and the border will be opened,” he said.

Pashinyan also linked the normalization with Türkiye to a broader national goal. “This is part of our strategy to preserve Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and statehood,” he added.

Likely withdrawal from Collective Security Treaty Organization

During the same press conference, the prime minister said it is more likely that Armenia will withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) than resume its participation.

“We froze our participation due to the CSTO’s failure to fulfill its obligations to Armenia,” he said, referencing his February 2024 announcement. Armenia has since avoided CSTO events and withheld its membership fee.

Zangezur corridor

Pashinyan also addressed the US proposal regarding the Zangezur corridor, suggesting it be placed under American supervision.

“All offers are evaluated within the framework of Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction. No matter the term – whether outsourcing, leasing or investment – the process must respect these principles,” he said.

He added that similar models are already used in places like Zvartnots Airport and railways, without undermining state ownership or sovereignty.

He also said a new company may be established to attract investment for regional connectivity projects.

“This includes not only roads and railways, but also pipelines, energy transmission lines and communication cables,” he added.

On domestic affairs, he commented on tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, saying: “The Church is sacred to me. Everything we do is for the Church. But we couldn’t ignore how it harms itself through its own actions. We will save the Church just as we saved Armenia from Serzh Sargsyan.”

EU membership ambition

Separately, in Brussels, Pashinyan confirmed that Armenia officially seeks EU membership.

“Yes, Armenia wants to become a member of the European Union,” he told European officials, adding that the country will continue aligning with European standards through reforms, regardless of the outcome.

“We have an ambitious reform strategy, and we will implement it in any case,” he said, underlining continued commitment to the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

Armenia froze its CSTO participation earlier this year and has since strengthened ties with the EU, positioning itself away from Moscow’s orbit and seeking closer integration with the West.