Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has announced that trade operations with Turkey are now being cleared directly.
According to the minister, goods continue to be transported between the two countries via third countries, mainly Georgia, but this trade is now being cleared directly at customs.
“The process has reached the point where we can take steps towards opening the border and establishing diplomatic relations at any moment,” he said.
Mirzoyan said Armenia plans to organise a business forum in early 2027 similar to an event held in Kars this summer. The Armenian minister said efforts were also continuing to consolidate the peace established with Azerbaijan, including through the development of bilateral trade and the opening of territory for the transit of goods.
Speaking to Globalinfo.az, political commentator Alabbas Maharramov said the statement should first and foremost be viewed in the context of who made it:
“The statement was made by Armenia’s foreign minister and, naturally, Armenia is interested in opening its borders with Turkey. However, the key issue here is the Turkish side’s position. Turkey has repeatedly stated that it will not view positively the opening of borders and the full normalisation of relations before a final peace agreement is signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Alabbas Maharramov
Conducting trade through third countries does not mean that the borders have been opened. I believe Turkey should take into account Azerbaijan’s national interests and the strategic alliance in this matter. Lasting peace in the region cannot be built while Azerbaijan’s interests are left aside.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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