Pashinyan and Erdoğan Discuss Bilateral Relations and Regional

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a telephone conversation, according to a statement released by the Turkish presidency.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulated President Erdoğan on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The two leaders also discussed the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey, as well as regional issues.

Erdoğan stated that the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia is continuing, including steps toward the launch of direct trade between the two countries. He emphasized that Turkey seeks peace and stability in the region and will continue to support initiatives aimed at achieving those goals.

The Armenian government reported that Pashinyan congratulated Erdoğan on Eid al-Adha, while Erdoğan congratulated the Armenian prime minister on his 51st birthday.

“The interlocutors exchanged views on issues on the bilateral agenda and expressed satisfaction with the growing intensity of contacts. In particular, they highlighted Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz’s visit to Armenia to attend the European Political Community Summit, the decision to establish procedures for direct Armenia-Turkey trade, and the opening of the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway for exports from and imports to Armenia,” the Armenian government said.