Within the framework of the Antalya's Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the Turkish NTV TV company.
Question: Well, we will see when and how the issue will be resolved, but I would like to address the relations between Turkey and Armenia. In 2021, the two countries appointed special representatives to advance the process of normalization of bilateral relations. They have been working for about four years. During this period, a number of positive steps have been taken. If I'm not mistaken, the first agreement was on the implementation of cargo transportation. The second step concerned the opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey for the citizens of third countries. But in fact, we do not see significant progress. Is it really the case, or do you have another perception? How do you assess the process of normalization of relations?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Yes, you are right, Serdar Kilic has been appointed special representatives by Turkey and Ruben Rubinyan by Armenia. At the same time, the foreign ministries of the two countries are involved in the process. This evening, my regular meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is planned. This is not our first meeting, which proves that there is a rather active Armenian-Turkish dialogue. At the same time, this dialogue is not limited to the level of two ministers or special representatives. Other relevant structures are gradually involved in the process. Meetings are already being implemented between different structures.
You also mentioned cargo transportation. I would like to add that the infrastructure of the Margara-Alijan Land checkpoint was jointly studied. A similar study was conducted in the direction of Gyumri-Kars railway. A few days ago, the representatives of our relevant bodies discussed the joint project of the reconstruction of Ani Bridge. There are also a number of other initiatives. All this proves that the process, although slowly, but moves forward.
Question: How would you rate the process of the infrastructure restoration process?
Ararat Mirzoyan. The Armenian side assessed the current state of the Infrastructure of the Margara checkpoint and has already completed its reconstruction of its passage. I have this fact special to emphasize that the process moves forward, and we continue to maintain a stable and intensive dialogue with our Turkish counterparts. At the same time, we must state that the final goals of the process, the full normalization of relations, the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of the border have not been implemented yet. And this, of course, is somewhat related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process. Our belief is that if successful success is registered in the Armenian-Turkish direction and the opening of the border can also become a positive impetus for the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process.
Question: It was an important observation, as immediately after your speech, I thought that the signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan could have a positive impact on the settlement of the Armenian-Turkish process. But you mention the opposite option is possible.
Ararat Mirzoyan. In general, yes. However, I think that any progress registered in both directions can be a positive impetus for the other process.
Question: Well, is it important which direction is the first to move forward?
Ararat Mirzoyan. It is important.
Question: I ask you:
Ararat Mirzoyan. You know, we really have a tangible opportunity at the moment. This is, in fact, a matter of political leadership. The question is what future we imagine and offer our societies, our states and our region in general. We can be good neighbors. We can develop mutually beneficial trade, initiate and implement joint energy projects. The world is looking for new energy ties today, and our region has that potential. Moreover, if we look at the regional political process, in particular in the Middle East, we see that our positions are often quite close to each other. In other words, the cooperation can and should be left out of the border trade. We have the opportunity. Will we be able to use this opportunity? This is the question. We believe that Armenia is being taken as possible in this process.
