Yerevan and Ankara are discussing student exchange in connection with the opening of borders

Within the framework of the dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, the parties are considering an unprecedented step, establishing mutual scholarships for students. This initiative is designed to strengthen confidence amid preparations for the full opening of land borders and the restoration of transport links.

On March 23, during a speech at the session of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan He described the current negotiation process with Ankara as extremely dynamic and promising. According to the head of the foreign political department, the final and main goal of these diplomatic efforts is the complete unblocking of the borders, the long-awaited commissioning of the Gyumri-Kars highway and railway, as well as the official establishment of bilateral relations.

The parties have already moved from political statements to practical steps “on the ground”. As the minister mentioned, the joint working groups are carrying out a thorough technical evaluation of the condition of the existing infrastructures on both sides of the border. Among the confidence-building measures already implemented, Mirzoyan singled out the abolition of state taxes and the introduction of the electronic visa system for holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as the successful entry of Turkish airlines into the Armenian market. All this work is strengthened by regular direct contacts and mutual visits at the level of the leaders of the two states and sector ministers.

It should be reminded that the land border between the two neighboring countries was unilaterally closed by Ankara back in 1993, during the first Artsakh war. Only decades later, starting from 2021, Yerevan and Ankara started a new round of substantive negotiations for the regulation of relations with the participation of special representatives.

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