Preparatory Work Begins to Open Turkey’s Alican Border Crossing with Armenia

IĞDIR  — Turkish media report that, within the framework of the ongoing normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, efforts to open border crossings have accelerated. In this context, technical assessments and preparatory measures have begun at one of the key crossing points between the two countries—the Alican Border Gate. The information was reported by Ermenihaber, citing Yesiligdir.com.

According to the publication, the signing of a peace agreement following the 44-day war between Azerbaijan and Armenia has contributed to regional normalization. One of the first practical steps in this process was Azerbaijan’s delivery of fuel to Armenia last week, described as an initial commercial initiative. Against the backdrop of advancing diplomatic contacts between Turkey and Armenia, the work underway at the Alican crossing aims to open the gate in the initial phase for cargo transportation via the Margara Bridge, with passenger traffic to follow at a later stage.

As part of the project, additional construction is planned on the Alican access road to connect it to the Karakoyunlu district interchange and the so-called “Zangezur road,” which would improve connectivity toward Iğdır and enhance regional trade and logistics capacity.

Inspections at the Alican crossing were carried out by Iğdır Governor Ercan Turan, Head of Migration Services Hüseyin Köklü, Acting Director General of Logistics at Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense Major General Ahmet Hamdi Ataç, along with representatives of several state institutions. Discussions in the border area focused on upgrading technical infrastructure, raising operational standards, and strengthening logistical capabilities.