Nov 6, 2026
Türkiye-Armenia normalization to advance ‘in near future,’ Pashinyan says
By Newsroom
November 06, 2026 03:31 PM GMT+03:00
Türkiye and Armenia would restore diplomatic ties “in the near future” after decades of disruption, based on a mutual understanding of border recognition and sovereignty, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Friday.
Speaking at the third Global Armenian Summit 2026 on Friday, Pashinyan addressed concerns over whether Türkiye recognizes Armenia’s territorial integrity, dismissing the notion that this remains an obstacle to establishing diplomatic relations.
“Armenia and Türkiye have not yet established diplomatic relations, but I am confident that these relations will be established in the near future, with both countries recognizing each other’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and borders. And I think this is a fact that we should acknowledge,” the prime minister said.
Türkiye-Armenia normalization gains momentum
Armenia and Türkiye launched their latest normalization process in late 2021, appointing retired Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic and Armenian Parliament Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan as special envoys.
Although the process has yet to deliver full diplomatic normalization, both sides have maintained contacts on reopening their shared land border, restoring transport links and expanding economic cooperation.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Thursday that dialogue with Türkiye was continuing intensively and effectively, adding that the opening of the border and establishment of diplomatic relations could take place at any moment.
He also pointed to the potential economic benefits of reopening the border, saying that establishing relations and restoring cross-border connections would bring significant gains for Armenia’s economy.
Border reopening and regional transport links
The two countries have no diplomatic relations, and their land border has remained closed since 1993. However, efforts to restore connectivity have become an important part of the normalization agenda.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pashinyan discussed advancing normalization, strengthening trade and economic ties, and improving regional transport connections.Pashinyan has also expressed interest in reopening the border and establishing railway connectivity with Türkiye as part of wider efforts to unblock regional transport routes.
The Turkish-Armenian normalization process also includes discussions on restoring railway connections between Kars and Gyumri, potentially providing a direct transport link between the neighboring countries.
Erdogan invited Pashinyan to attend the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye during their September meeting. The Armenian prime minister accepted the invitation.
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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/11/06/turkish-press-turkiye-armenia-normalization-to-advance-in-near-future-pas/