Armenia supports Türkiye’s normalisation talks

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has welcomed remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicating progress in the normalisation process between Ankara and Yerevan, describing the moment as ripe for concrete steps.

Speaking at a press briefing, Pashinyan said it was time for “symbolic and non-symbolic, broader and more tangible steps” within the framework of bilateral dialogue, according to state media.

His comments follow statements by Erdogan earlier this month, in which the Turkish president said Türkiye would take “some symbolic steps” from early 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to normalise relations with Armenia. Speaking on 16 December, Erdogan linked the process to parallel developments between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“Azerbaijan and Armenia are closer than ever to signing a peace agreement. In parallel with this process, and in dialogue with Azerbaijan, we are also advancing our normalisation efforts with Armenia,” Erdogan said.

Addressing the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process, Pashinyan welcomed Baku’s decision to lift restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia, calling it a development that could not go unacknowledged. He said Yerevan hoped further steps would follow to promote bilateral trade, including Armenian exports to Azerbaijan.

The Armenian prime minister also referred to cooperation with the U.S. on the TRIPP project — the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity — noting that a strategic framework document was being prepared and would require approval by both sides before implementation could begin.

Pashinyan said on-the-ground work on the project was expected to start in the second half of 2026, with railway construction likely to be the first phase. He added that while energy infrastructure such as gas or oil pipelines could become a priority depending on circumstances, the railway currently remained the focus.

In August, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a declaration at a trilateral summit at the White House, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, committing to end decades of conflict, reopen transport links and move towards the normalisation of relations.

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