Yerevan: Serdar Kilic, Trkiye's special envoy for normalization with Armenia, expressed a sense of belonging during his visit to Armenia as discussions aimed at improving bilateral relations continue. "I really feel at home here, but my friends also have the same feeling throughout the normalization process," he remarked during a panel at Yerevan Dialogue, describing a spirit of 'friendship' and 'understanding' in the ongoing discussions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kilic clarified that the current engagement phase should not be perceived as full normalization. "We are not normalizing Armenia-Trkiye relations. It's not a normalization process. It's a confidence-building process," he stated. Kilic explained that the objective is to build trust, enabling rapid steps toward full normalization of relations between the two countries. He also noted that the progress achieved so far might have seemed unlikely in the past.
Kilic underscored the significance of broader regional cooperation, especially in connectivity. "You cannot isolate the Turkish-Armenian normalization, or confidence-building process, from the overall efforts in the region on connectivity," he emphasized. He mentioned that connectivity should extend beyond transport links, highlighting digital infrastructure and aviation as crucial areas. "Internet connections are very important, transportation and air transportation are very important," he said, adding that agreements have already been signed "with Armenian companies. in order to provide better internet services to the Armenian people."
He called for regional ownership of peace efforts, stating that any ideas for enhancing relations and establishing long-term peace should originate from within the region. Meanwhile, Armenia's envoy for normalization with Ankara, Ruben Rubinyan, pointed to significant changes in the wider South Caucasus, particularly in relations with Azerbaijan.
Rubinyan highlighted a sustained period without violence along the border, noting that "more than two years have passed already that no single soldier or service person has been killed from either side on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border." He described recent developments in regional connectivity as 'unimaginable,' mentioning that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on railroad transit to and from Armenia.
Economic ties are also emerging, with Rubinyan noting the start of direct trade with Azerbaijan. He expressed optimism about external support, convinced that both the European Union and Trkiye have positive roles to play in the South Caucasus.
Recently, Trkiye and Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly restore the ancient Ani Bridge, marking a step toward strengthening bilateral ties. This agreement was announced following a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz at the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan. Trkiye was represented at its highest level since 2008 by Vice President Yilmaz, reflecting growing momentum in Trkiye's normalization process with Armenia. Relations between the two countries are experiencing one of their most active periods since the 1990s, due to the normalization steps taken in recent years.