Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed that his country perceives Trkiye as an advocate for stability in the South Caucasus. Pashinyan noted that Trkiye's messages, both from the presidential and foreign ministers' levels, support the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Pashinyan highlighted the ongoing communication between representatives of Trkiye and Armenia, emphasizing the "very direct conversation" between the two nations. He stated that this direct dialogue marks a significant change from previous periods in their relations, with diplomatic representatives maintaining constant contact.
Pashinyan expressed his desire for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trkiye and Armenia, pointing out the significant trade and business interactions already existing between the two countries. Despite the lack of tangible progress following a July 2022 agreement to open the land border for third-country citizens, Pashinyan believes that both parties now better understand the challenges and perspectives, viewing this as a positive development.
The Armenian Prime Minister shared that multiple meetings have occurred between him and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with their foreign ministers also maintaining contact. He emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to sustain the current momentum in Turkish-Armenian relations, describing the process as dynamic.
Pashinyan expressed confidence that normalizing ties between the two countries is only "a matter of time," advocating for patience as the process unfolds. Regarding Armenia's relations with the EU, Pashinyan remarked that these ties have evolved and deepened, noting that this development does not contradict Armenia's connections with other partners.
Pashinyan underscored the desire for Armenia to have a foreign policy with options, stating, "We want the Republic of Armenia to get rid of a foreign policy without alternatives. I want to say this directly: We want the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people to have options."