Normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations part of  Armenian-Turkish contacts - Armenian FM

ArmInfo.  The process of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations is part of the  Armenian-Turkish, if not bilateral agenda, then at least  conversation, contacts.

This was stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in an  interview with CivilNet.

Thus, when asked whether any progress should be expected in the  Armenian-Turkish process, including in terms of implementing  previously reached agreements, taking into account the latest meeting  with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Mirzoyan assured that there  is a broader understanding on this issue.  He proposed to state the  reality, leaving the conclusions to the opponent.

"We have some agreements that have already been implemented. There  are agreements that have not yet been implemented. For example, we  essentially consider the issue of using airspace to be resolved, at  least for now. We jointly inspected the state of the Margara-Alijan  border infrastructure. The Armenian side also carried out  infrastructure modernization work there. We worked together,  conducted research on the condition and assessment of the Gyumri-Kars  railway crossing and other infrastructure. We have a solution, and  just a few days ago, specialists from different departments met  within the framework of the restoration of the historical bridge in  Ani, etc. In other words, we can say that certain things are  happening," the Armenian Foreign Minister said. 

At the same time, according to Mirzoyan, there is an agreement  between the parties to open the border between Armenia and Turkey for  citizens of third countries and citizens of Armenia and Turkey  holding diplomatic passports. "It has not been implemented. But it is  a process: some things move forward quickly, some things move forward  slowly. But I can say that there is a common understanding that the  dialogue is aimed at fully normalizing relations, establishing  diplomatic ties and opening the border.

Moreover, we both see the opportunity not only to establish minimal  relations, but also to implement very significant interstate, trade,  transit opportunities and joint energy projects. I should also note  that on some issues of international politics, our positions are not  as far apart as it may seem. On the contrary, sometimes they are very  close. So, there are opportunities for cooperation. I would like to  emphasize once again that we are not talking about establishing  minimal relations and mutual tolerance. There is an understanding  that there are prospects for much closer cooperation," the head of  the Armenian Foreign Ministry said. 

When asked whether the topic of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani  relations is raised in the negotiations with Turkey, Mirzoyan said  that the process of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations is part  of the Armenian-Turkish, if not bilateral, agenda, then at least a  conversation, contacts.  "I can say that in the context of the  Armenian-Turkish dialogue, the Turkish side assumes certain  restrictions on the pace of implementation of the agreements, due to  Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. In fact, our approach is different.  We believe that progress in the Armenian-Turkish direction will have  a positive impact on the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement. However,  there is a problem, there is a certain difference in perception, but  we see a willingness to have a useful, favorable impact," he  summarized.

On July 30, 2024, the special representatives of Turkey and Armenia  for the normalization process - Serdar Kilic and Ruben Rubinyan held  the 5th round of talks on the Turkish-Armenian border, after a  two-year break. The meeting took place on the Armenian side in the  morning, and on the Turkish side in the afternoon. It should be added  that the 4th round of talks was held on July 1, 2022 in Vienna. The  parties then agreed to ensure the possibility of crossing the  Armenian-Turkish land border for third-country citizens visiting  Armenia and Turkey, respectively, as soon as possible, and decided to  begin the necessary processes in this direction.

They also agreed to launch direct air cargo transportation between  Armenia and Turkey as soon as possible and decided to initiate the  necessary processes in this direction. Finally, the parties once  again emphasized their agreement to continue the normalization  process without preconditions. The launch of the normalization  process was announced on December 13, 2021 by then Turkish Foreign  Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. He emphasized that Ankara will act in  coordination with Azerbaijan regarding steps to normalize relations  with Armenia.