Turkey takes practical steps to restore rail link with Armenia

Alex Nanijanian
JAM News
July 28, 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Turkey has begun restoring the entire railway infrastructure along the Akyaka–Gyumri route, the section connecting it with Armenia. Preliminary estimates suggest the work will take two to three months to complete. Akyaka Mayor Erduger Toptas told this to a group of Armenian journalists visiting Turkey.

According to Toptas, the construction work now under way in Turkey signals preparations for reopening the Armenian-Turkish border. He said reopening the border would give Turkey another route to the Caucasus. It would also allow Armenia to establish transport links with Middle Eastern countries through Turkey.

Kadir Bozan, chairman of the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also told the Armenian journalists that freight traffic on the Akhalkalaki–Kars railway has increased by 400% in recent months. He did not specify whether Armenia uses the route for exports or imports.

However, on 24 May, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that “the Akhalkalaki–Kars railway is now open for exports from Armenia and imports into Armenia.” He described the development as extremely important for the country’s economy.

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Armenian journalists’ impressions from their visit to Turkey

According to official information, a group of Armenian journalists travelled to Turkey as part of a journalist exchange programme. The purpose of the visit was to observe progress on the work to reopen the railway on the Turkish side.

The journalists also wanted to see how Turkey’s railway infrastructure operates more broadly. In particular, they travelled by train from Kars to Akyaka. The 57-kilometre journey took just 50 minutes.

After returning, they wrote that Akyaka station lies only 18–20 kilometres from the Armenian city of Gyumri. That means the journey would take just 30–40 minutes. However, the closed border currently makes it impossible to travel from Akyaka to Gyumri.

Tender announced for Akyaka–Gyumri highway

Akyaka Mayor Erduger Toptas said Turkey plans to restore not only the railway but also the highway.

“The tender for the construction of the road from Akyaka to Gyumri has already been announced. We now expect work on that project to begin as well,” he said.

According to Toptas, these developments indicate that both governments are moving towards establishing good-neighbourly and friendly relations.

The mayor said reopening the Armenian-Turkish border and expanding bilateral economic cooperation would benefit both countries. He believes the two sides have opportunities to cooperate in both agriculture and industry.

The Armenian journalists also spoke with residents of Turkish settlements near the Armenian border. Most said they hope the border will reopen as soon as possible. They also believe it will create new economic opportunities for local communities on both sides of the border.

“We do not expect any obstacles to reopening the border”

Akyaka Mayor Erduger Toptas expressed optimism about the prospects for normalising relations between Armenia and Turkey. In his view, once Armenia and Azerbaijan normalise their relations, reopening the Armenian-Turkish border should not present any difficulties.

He said that, on the instructions of the Turkish president and under the coordination of the transport ministry, officials have begun preparatory work at the border crossing points ahead of the border’s reopening. Railway infrastructure also requires restoration. However, he said the closed border remains the main obstacle to resuming rail services.

At the beginning of 2026, Armenian media reported that the Armenian-Turkish border would open on 1 February to third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports. Armenia’s and Turkey’s special envoys for normalisation, Ruben Rubinyan and Serdar Kilic, reached that agreement in July 2022. The Margara border crossing on the Armenian side has stood ready to receive travellers since December 2023. Despite those agreements, however, Turkey has kept the border closed.

Even so, the two countries periodically announce positive steps. For example, from 1 January 2026, Armenia and Turkey simplified visa procedures for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports. They can now obtain a free electronic visa (e-visa) for short-term trips of up to 20 days.

Background

Since 2008, Armenia’s railway network has operated under a concession held by the South Caucasus Railway company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways. The concession agreement runs for 30 years, with an option to extend it by another 10 years if both sides agree.

Armenian experts say freight traffic on the country’s railways has halved since 2008. Some routes have ceased operating, while the mandatory investment commitments have never materialised.

Despite this, Yerevan asked Moscow to restore the Gyumri–Akhurik and Yerask railway sections.

Rebuilding these lines would reconnect Armenia with the borders of Azerbaijan and Turkey. This is strategically important for Yerevan, which seeks to fully unblock regional transport links.

Russia has neither acted on Armenia’s request nor indicated a willingness to do so. At the same time, Moscow has said it does not intend to give up its railway concession.

Meanwhile, the Armenian government is considering revoking Russia’s concession and taking control of the railway network itself. It has also left open the possibility of transferring the concession to a third party.

At the beginning of July, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia had begun preparatory work to restore the Gyumri–Akhurik and Yerask railway sections.

“We will carry out this work ourselves. As for the remaining sections, we will continue working-level discussions, including with our Russian partners,” he said.

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Armenian responses to K-pop

Khondkarian Raffi
The Korea Herald
July 28, 2026

Published : July 28, 2026 – 05:30:00

Armenia does not come up frequently in my conversations, and certainly not in the context of K-pop. Kim Kardashian and Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian) are likely the most famous Americans of Armenian ancestry, but Armenia itself is mysterious to the average American. It is a small landlocked country of about 3 million people, and borders Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia. However, K-pop’s global influence can also be felt in Armenia.

In 2025, I met Sam Core (birthname Samvel Azatyan), who moved from Armenia to South Korea in pursuit of his dream of becoming a K-pop artist. Recently I had the chance to speak with him at greater length in Seoul. He currently trains at ModernK Academy and works full-time on his singing, dancing and composition, and he plays a variety of instruments. He stood out to me when I first saw him, as he was the only non-Korean I met at the academy and was a bit older than the 15-16-year-old students. These characteristics made me feel his strong commitment to working in the K-pop scene.

When I asked him how he first became familiar with K-pop, he told me that the first K-pop song he heard was probably Psy’s “Gangnam Style” or CN Blue’s “Can’t Stop,” adding, “Later BTS bombed the world and everybody suggested that I listen to them. But I really got into K-pop because of NCT, Jonghyun (Shinee) and Chen (Exo).” He fell in love with K-pop through Exo’s official debut track, “Mama,” explaining, “When I heard the orchestra, choir and each vocal part, I thought it was so similar to the music that I sing and write — strong and clean high-pitched vocals that I sing, and Kai’s screaming (was amazing).”

Before arriving in South Korea, Sam graduated from the choir department of the ⁠Alexander Spendiaryan Music School and trained at the Armenian State Song Theater and the Yerevan State College of Pop and Jazz Art in Armenia.

Later, he was an online trainee at ED Online K-Pop Training Agency. He said he was a finalist at Keens Academy, which was sponsored by SM Entertainment, and a private and, in his words, “best” student of Jay, the lead singer of SM’s rock band Trax.

He also won a prize for a K-pop dance & song competition sponsored by the Korean Embassy in Armenia and participated in The Voice, a TV show in Russia.

It took him three attempts to obtain a visa for entry to Korea. He was introduced to ModernK Academy by a friend. The school quickly provided a letter of support that enabled his visa application. “I remember that I was in tears when I saw that my visa was accepted,” he recalled. He moved to Korea in May 2025, and he has been completely dedicated to his music ever since. He feels indebted to his parents, who are providing their full support. Still, Sam tells me that he is here in Korea on his own. I assume it must be lonely — how many other Armenians live in Korea in order to pursue K-pop?

However, it turns out that Sam is not alone in his love of K-pop. “Lots of Armenian youth love K-pop and there are many K-pop events that are held and super-talented dancers and even big groups that perform in theaters and concert halls.” There are multiple K-pop cover dance groups based in Armenia. One is named SetUp Team, and boasts 4,800 subscribers, with 260 videos that have enjoyed a total of 1.6 million views on YouTube. These videos include lip-syncing both English and Korean lyrics, and they have performed songs such as BTS’s “Mic Drop,” Aespa’s “Whiplash,” and Blackpink’s “Jump.”

Michyos dance studio in Armenia has also posted videos of dance covers. For BTS’s 9th Anniversary 4 years ago, the group posted a video medley of 16 (!) BTS songs including “No More Dream,” “Fake Love” and “On.” This video has received 134,000 views on YouTube. In total, they have posted almost 140 videos and just posted a cover of “Pinky Up” by Katseye last week. They even produced a music video version of Le Sserafim’s “Spaghetti” that boasts seemingly professional video editing.

Sam articulates why he loves K-pop. “It encourages artists to develop multiple talents. I want to be an artist that is skilled in my vocal and instrumental performances, as well as dance, acting and composition. Only K-pop and K-music can truly give you the flexibility to mix all genres and do unique things with music.” This must be why he also named “Tri-Angle” by TVXQ (featuring the Trax and BoA) as an influential song for him. On that note, I’ve told all of my students that “Tri-Angle” is one of the strangest K-pop songs I know — it combines Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor (K. 550) with a power ballad by TVXQ, intense vocals by BoA, followed by a heavy metal performance by the Trax — truly a unique spectacle. Watch the video if you don’t believe me.

Grace Kao

Grace Kao is an IBM professor of sociology and professor of ethnicity, race and migration at Yale University. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. — Ed.

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Pashinyan Putin Meeting Focuses on Ending Russian Restrictions on Armenian Exp

Garnik Zakarian
Brussels Morning
July 27, 2026
Last updated: 27 July 2026 8:39 pm
Sarhan Basem

Yekaterinburg, Russia, July 27 Brussels Morning Newspaper — Pashinyan Putin meeting discussions centered on Armenia’s request for Russia to remove restrictions affecting Armenian exports. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan urged President Vladimir Putin to help resolve trade barriers that have disrupted shipments of agricultural goods and other products to Russia, Armenia’s largest export market.

Contents

  • Trade Talks Target Export Disruptions
  • Russia Remains Armenia’s Largest Trading Partner
  • Exporters Await Concrete Decisions
  • Next Steps in Bilateral Trade Relations

Trade Talks Target Export Disruptions

The meeting took place during the INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg, where both leaders reviewed economic cooperation and bilateral trade. Pashinyan stressed that Armenian exporters have faced increasing challenges after Russia imposed restrictions on several imported products, including fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic beverages.

Armenian officials hope direct government-level discussions will lead to faster solutions and restore normal trade between the two countries.

Russia Remains Armenia’s Largest Trading Partner

Russia continues to be Armenia’s biggest trading partner, making unrestricted market access essential for Armenian businesses. While Russian authorities have cited regulatory concerns for the import restrictions, Armenian exporters say the measures have affected supply chains and increased costs.

The discussions also come as Armenia expands economic cooperation with the European Union while maintaining its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Exporters Await Concrete Decisions

Businesses across Armenia are closely watching the outcome of the talks. Agricultural producers, wineries and food exporters rely heavily on Russian consumers, and prolonged restrictions could affect future contracts and seasonal exports.

Trade analysts say restoring predictable cross-border commerce would benefit companies in both Armenia and Russia by improving supply chains and reducing uncertainty.

Next Steps in Bilateral Trade Relations

Officials from both governments are expected to continue technical negotiations following the leaders’ meeting. Any agreement to ease import restrictions would provide relief for exporters and strengthen economic ties between the neighboring countries.

Although no immediate policy changes were announced, the discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining stable commercial relations despite broader political differences.

The Pashinyan Putin meeting underscored Armenia’s determination to restore unrestricted access to the Russian market. As negotiations continue, exporters will be watching closely for practical measures that could improve trade flows and support economic stability across the region.

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The Revival of Ottoman Era Railway and Türkiye’s Geo-economic Interests in th

Ophelia Vardapetian
IFI Policy
American University of Beirut
July 30, 2026

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‘Moscow will only push Armenia out of Russian-led blocs’: Reaction to Russia’s

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
July 29, 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

“Brussels understands that Armenia will face a severe economic crisis if Yerevan leaves the Eurasian Economic Union,” Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said on the previous day.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a Russia-led economic bloc. Its members are Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.

“Brussels should not expect the EAEU countries to keep Yerevan’s political crew afloat or bankroll its marathon swim toward the European Union,” the SVR said.

In Armenia, observers noted that the statement followed a phone call between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said one of the main topics was a referendum in Armenia on European Union membership or continued participation in the EAEU.

“We stressed the need for Armenia to hold a referendum as soon as possible so Armenians can decide which direction they want to take,” Peskov said.

The Kremlin’s readout of the call did not mention Pashinyan’s response. However, the Armenian prime minister’s office said he told Putin:

“Holding such a referendum would only become possible after Armenia submits an official application to join the European Union and the issue takes on practical significance.”

The Armenian authorities have given Russia the same response on several previous occasions.

Local analysts viewed the Kremlin’s remarks and the SVR statement as another attempt to pressure Armenia.

In their view, the crisis in bilateral relations continues, and “there is still no solution in sight”. They also questioned why Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, rather than the EAEU itself, had spoken on the bloc’s behalf.

The Armenian prime minister’s office said that, during the call, “Pashinyan stressed that restrictions on exports of Armenian-made goods to the Russian market violate the legal framework governing Armenia-Russia relations and Eurasian Economic Union regulations. He asked Russia to take steps to resolve the issue.”

Pashinyan appears to have called Putin primarily over Russia’s ban on imports of numerous Armenian food products and other goods. Russia introduced the restrictions at the end of May.

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Statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service

The SVR titled its statement, “The EU Lures Armenia but Cannot Help It.” The statement argues that Armenia would face a severe economic crisis if it left the EAEU.

“Armenia will lose the income it currently receives from Eurasian integration. The remaining EAEU members will not bankroll the Armenian authorities as they row toward the European Union. EU institutions acknowledge that the bloc’s worsening economic problems, driven by anti-Russian sanctions and what they describe as Brussels’ obsession with supporting the war in Ukraine, will leave the EU unable to offset Armenia’s multi-billion-dollar losses. Several European countries have already told EU leaders they are unwilling to open their markets to Armenian goods at the expense of domestic producers.”

Russia’s foreign intelligence service also claims the EU will continue to assure Yerevan of its unwavering support.

“The EU plans to explain the lack of tangible assistance by arguing that accession depends entirely on Yerevan and on its own ‘progress’ toward European integration.”

According to the SVR, the EU has already presented Pashinyan’s government with the following demands:

  • reduce the presence of Russian businesses in strategic sectors;
  • sever humanitarian ties with Russia;
  • suppress domestic opponents who resist those policies.

The statement adds that the EU will encourage Armenia by “holding out the prospect of visa liberalisation for Armenian citizens and promising that, at some distant point in the future, Armenia will become a ‘prosperous crossroads of peace.’

How Armenians View European Integration: Poll Results

Against the backdrop of Russia’s call for Armenia to hold a referendum on whether to remain in the EAEU or pursue EU membership, local broadcaster Factor TV conducted an online poll. Participants answered the following question: “If a referendum on choosing between the EAEU and the EU were held this Sunday, which would you vote for?”

According to the broadcaster, more than 3,300 people have already taken part in the poll. The results are as follows:

  • 74% said they would vote for EU membership;
  • 21% said they would prefer Armenia to remain in the EAEU;
  • 5% said they were undecided.

Reactions

Political analyst Samvel Melkisetian said:

“Statements like these from Moscow are nothing new. They fit a long-established Russian pattern. The aim is to show both domestic and international audiences that Russia remains actively involved in regional developments. They also seek to expose what they portray as the EU’s and the West’s ‘hidden mechanisms’ of harmful influence across the post-Soviet region.”

He also noted that Moscow’s rhetoric often portrays Armenia not as a sovereign state making its own decisions, but as an object of external influence.

Political analyst Hovsep Khurshudyan said:

“What does Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service have to do with the EAEU that allows it to speak on behalf of the bloc’s member states? Has the SVR become the press office for the EAEU or its members?”

Khurshudyan also questioned Russia’s intelligence service:

“How can Brussels be accused of driving Armenia’s economy into crisis when it is Brussels that is compensating for the losses caused by the sanctions Russia has imposed?”

He was referring to EU support programmes launched after Russia restricted imports of Armenian goods.

Khurshudyan argues that, in the end, Russia’s actions will only accelerate:

  • Armenia’s withdrawal from Russian-led integration structures, including the EAEU and the Collective Security Treaty Organization;
  • the withdrawal of Russian border guards from Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey;
  • the termination of the concession agreement under which a Russian company operates Armenia’s railways.

Khurshudyan believes Armenia still has room to take further steps, while Russia has already exhausted most of its leverage.

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“They did better than England!”: Tony Iommi recounts the time he wrote a Eurov

Ophelia Vardapetian
KERRANG
July 29, 2026

“They did better than England!”: Tony Iommi recounts the time he wrote a Eurovision song for Armenia

At a press conference to announce his new solo album From The Dark, Tony Iommi revealed in conversation with Frank Skinner how he came to write a song for Armenia called Lonely Planet for the Eurovision Song Contest.

July 29, 2026
Words:Emma Wilkes

Tony Iommi has shared some memories of writing Armenia’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2013.

The Black Sabbath guitarist was in conversation with Frank Skinner earlier today (July 29) at a press conference in his hometown of Birmingham, where he announced From The Dark, his first solo album in 21 years.

The topic came up when Tony was discussing the charity work he had done in Armenia, helping to build a music school there and raising money for earthquake relief through the WhoCares project with Ian Gillan from Deep Purple. Frank then mentioned that Tony had written a song for Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest.

“They contacted me and said ‘We’re in trouble, we don’t have a song to represent Armenia. Would you do one?’ and I said, ‘I don’t do Eurovision Song Contests,” he said.

Nonetheless, he put something together anyway, even if it might not have seemed like an obvious career move.

“We sent it over and that was it really. Their local band, or the top band, recorded it and that was it. They did better than England!”

“I did watch it,” he added, though they had invited him to go and watch in person.

The song Tony wrote alongside Vardan Zadoyan was called Lonely Planet, which was performed by a band called Dorians. They came 18th, marginally better than England, who placed 19th that year.

Give it a listen below:

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Armenia’s PM Pashinyan Warns EAEU Faces Paralysis

Emil Lazarian
Eurasia Review
July 29, 2026
 July 29, 2026

By PanARMENIAN

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia has no plans to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while stressing that the country must maintain alternatives in every strategic direction. Commenting on recent export difficulties, Pashinyan said the problems concern the EAEU rather than Armenia, according to Aysor.am.

“In reality, it turns out that the EAEU is paralyzed and not functioning. If this issue is not resolved quickly, allow me to predict that this will mark the beginning of the end for the EAEU,” he said.

The prime minister also commented on his recent telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as productive.

“My dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin was successful because we spoke at length. On a number of issues, we reached a common understanding that Armenia has the legitimate right to develop alternatives for itself,” Pashinyan said.

According to the prime minister, he informed the Russian president about Armenia’s current policy course.

“I told the Russian president that we had announced this path and that we would continue along it, especially now that the people of Armenia have voted in its favor. As I said during the election campaign, I cannot imagine a situation in which, as a result of our policies, Armenia finds itself without alternatives. Armenia must always have alternatives in every matter. The era of having no alternatives is over,” he said.

Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of several Armenian products. These include bans on imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia. Restrictions have also been introduced on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted the import and transit through the EAEU of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits from Armenia. Since June 3, it has also restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from and exported by Armenia.

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Yerevan Prophet: Pashinyan did not find the problem in Armenia, and in the EAE

Emil Lazarian
Eurasia Daily
July 29, 2026
July 29th, 2026
20:07

Nikol Pashinyan. Illustration: Youtube

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the “blockade” of Armenia could be the beginning of the end of the EAEU. He told this to journalists after the meeting of the party council of the “Civil Contract”, “Armenpress” reports.

“Now we all note that the problem is not Armenia. The problem is not Armenia, and in the EAEU, because in fact it turns out that the Eurasian Economic Union is paralyzed and does not work. If this issue is not resolved in the near future, I predict that this will be the beginning of the end of the EAEU,” Pashinyan said.

The prime Minister spoke about the telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that “Armenia has a legitimate right to form alternatives for itself.” The question, he said, “here is when this alternative should be implemented.”

Pashinyan also spoke about the national referendum on the choice between The EU and the EAEU. He noted that before holding such a referendum, Armenia should at least officially apply for membership in the European Union.

“This referendum cannot take place until there is a thoroughness on this issue. That is, before this referendum, we will have to at least apply to the EU on the issue of membership,” the prime minister explained.

As EADaily reported, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan requested an urgent telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin. This was reported by the Kremlin’s press service in its telegram channel.

Putin reaffirmed his commitment to the joint statement of the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia on Armenia’s accession to the European Union adopted on May 29 at the EurAsEC summit in Astana. “In particular, the need to hold a national referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on joining the EU or continuing to be part of the EurAsEC was emphasized,” the press service noted.

More details: https://www.eadaily.com/en/news/2026/07/29/yerevan-prophet-pashinyan-did-not-find-the-problem-in-armenia-and-in-the-eaeu

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Queer Armenia: Yerevan Takes Drag Out of the Shadows

Emil Lazarian
Pulitzer Center
July 29, 2026

Queer Armenia: Yerevan Takes Drag Out of the Shadows

Kal Berjikian
Grantee

The migration of Russians to Yerevan after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has left a lasting imprint on Armenia, particularly on the country’s LGBTQ+ community.

Before the war, there was only one LGBTQ+ club in Yerevan: the DIY bar, which was firebombed in 2012. Now, the capital hosts underground queer parties, openly LGBTQ+-friendly bars, and a growing drag scene.

However, this doesn’t mean the country has become welcoming for LGBTQ+ Armenians. Homophobia remains widespread, and ILGA ranks the country among the most hostile in Europe.

The cost of rent has also skyrocketed, forcing many queer Armenians to move back in with family members. According to activists, this has led to an unprecedented rise in domestic violence cases and an increase in people seeking asylum abroad.

This report, produced with ENTR and FRANCE 24, follows two drag queens during underground Pride performances — one Armenian and the other Russian — to better understand how the changing demographics in Yerevan have transformed the lives of young queer Armenians.

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Arthur Nazaryan elected Armenia basketball federation president

Arbi Tashjian
Big News Network
July 30, 2026

PanArmenian.Net
30th July 2026, 13:38 GMT+11

PanARMENIAN.Net – Arthur Nazaryan has been elected president of the Basketball Federation of Armenia. During the federation’s extraordinary assembly held in Yerevan on July 29, delegates unanimously approved his candidacy, the federation’s press service said.

It was announced earlier that Hrachya Rostomyan, who had led the organization for 20 years, was stepping down from the position.

Thirty-three of the federation’s 34 delegates attended the assembly. Delegates heard a presentation from presidential candidate Arthur Nazaryan, who outlined his vision for the development of basketball in Armenia, as well as his upcoming plans and priorities.

He then answered delegates’ questions before an open vote was held.

Nazaryan has worked within the Basketball Federation of Armenia for many years, serving as secretary general and overseeing the federation’s organizational activities, international relations, and development programs.

Since 2012, he has served as a FIBA International Commissioner. In 2025, he was selected to participate in the prestigious FIBA Academy educational program alongside leading professionals in sports management.

Source: PanArmenian.Net

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