The Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgün, stated that the Armenia–Turkey border could be opened if specific conditions are met. He emphasized that this would occur only if a lasting peace agreement is signed or preliminarily agreed upon between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and if the requirements related to the so-called “Zangezur corridor” are fulfilled.
He said that the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as between Armenia and Turkey, must be viewed as interconnected, APA reports.
“The two normalization processes are proceeding in parallel. In 2022, special envoys were appointed for the normalization of Armenia–Turkey relations. It is known that the Turkey–Armenia border has been closed since 1993 due to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Armenia has no access to the sea, and it is the Armenian people who suffer the most from this.
Armenia borders Azerbaijan and Turkey to the east and west, and both of these borders are closed. Everyone would benefit from peace, but Armenia would benefit the most. We want to accelerate the normalization process.
If a lasting peace agreement is signed or preliminarily signed and the conditions related to the Zangezur corridor are met, then the Turkey–Armenia border may be opened at an appropriate time, following consultations between Ankara and Baku. It will depend on how the normalization process develops,” the ambassador said.
During an international media forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expanded on the “Zangezur corridor” narrative, asserting that “Azerbaijani cargo and citizens should not encounter Armenian border services or anyone else.” He stated that the corridor is viewed by Azerbaijan as a free and secure connection between its territories. According to him, this issue was also raised during a meeting with Armenia’s Prime Minister in Abu Dhabi. He added that there would be no “operators, leasing, or rent” on their territory.
Commenting on Aliyev’s remarks, Prime Minister's spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan emphasized that Armenia has never discussed, is not discussing, and will not discuss the “terminology and logic” proposed by the Azerbaijani president. She also noted that “Aliyev’s statement that Azerbaijanis should not encounter Armenian border guards contradicts the logic of the discussions held.”
