YEREVAN — Armenia has welcomed Turkey’s decision to remove restrictions on direct bilateral trade, describing the move as another positive step in the ongoing normalization process between the two neighboring countries.
In a statement, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said it welcomed “Turkey’s decision to lift restrictions on bilateral trade with Armenia,” calling it “another result of the Armenia-Turkey normalization process.”
According to the ministry, the decision is significant for expanding trade and business ties between the two countries, promoting regional economic connectivity, and contributing to peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the move represents an important step toward establishing full and normal relations between Armenia and Turkey, adding that the process could logically continue with the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The development marks a symbolic breakthrough in relations between the longtime regional rivals, who have no formal diplomatic ties and whose shared border has remained closed since the 1990s. Relations between the two countries have long been strained by historical grievances and Turkey’s close alliance with Azerbaijan.
In late 2021, Armenia and Turkey agreed to begin efforts aimed at improving relations and appointed special envoys to negotiate normalization measures, including the possible reopening of the border. Since then, the two sides have resumed direct flights and eased certain visa restrictions.
Earlier this week, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry announced that preparatory work for launching direct trade relations with Armenia had been completed as of May 11.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli stated that technical and bureaucratic work aimed at opening the Armenia-Turkey border is continuing.
Under the new arrangement, goods shipped between Turkey and Armenia through third countries will now be allowed to directly list Turkey or Armenia as the final destination or country of origin, removing a previous restriction on such designations.
“In light of the historic opportunity seized to strengthen lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, Türkiye will continue to contribute to the development of economic relations in the region and to further advancing cooperation for the benefit of all countries and peoples of the region,” Keceli wrote on social media platform X.
