ANKARA: Turkey and Armenia on Tuesday resumed talks aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations after a two-year hiatus and agreed to simplify visa rules for some passport holders and enhance border cooperation, the two countries said.
Special envoys from Turkey and Armenia met for the fifth round of talks at the Alican-Magara border crossing. The talks, which were held under the auspices of the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministries, resulted in significant progress toward mending relations strained for decades.
In a joint statement, both countries announced their agreement to simplify visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and official passports. This move is seen as a step towards easing travel and fostering better diplomatic interactions between the two nations.
Furthermore, the talks focused on the technical requirements for reopening the Akyaka-Akhurik border crossing to rail transport. This initiative is expected to improve logistical and economic ties by facilitating the movement of goods and people across the border.
The negotiations also underscored a commitment to pursue normalization without preconditions, though no specific date was set for the next round of talks. The resumption of dialogue comes amid Turkey’s recent efforts to rebuild relations with Armenia, which had been severed in 1993 following the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Turkey had cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Armenia in support of Azerbaijan during the war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and in recent years, Turkey has strengthened its alliance with Azerbaijan. However, with the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Turkey has signaled a willingness to improve relations with Armenia, contingent on Armenia’s progress in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.
