Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has expressed optimism about the normalization of relations with Türkiye, saying the process has matured to a point where a comprehensive settlement could be reached at any time.
Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Yerevan on Thursday, Mirzoyan said Armenia and Türkiye maintain almost daily contacts and continue to make progress on several practical issues.
“The process has matured to such an extent that it would be quite natural to see a final and comprehensive settlement at any time,” Mirzoyan said.
He identified the official establishment of diplomatic relations and the full opening of the border as the ultimate goals of the normalization process.
Although the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations and their land border remains closed, Mirzoyan said they already maintain de facto direct relations.
Asked whether undisclosed negotiations had prompted his optimism, the minister said negotiations between countries are ongoing and generally remain confidential until agreements are reached and their outcomes become public.
He pointed to several recent developments in Armenian-Turkish relations, including Türkiye’s decision to lift restrictions on exports to Armenia, which Yerevan welcomed.
Mirzoyan also highlighted joint efforts to renovate the historic Ani Bridge and the work of a bilateral working group on the Gyumri-Kars railway, which meets periodically.
He urged journalists to visit the Akhurik border area to observe construction work being carried out on the Turkish side in connection with the railway’s reconstruction.
The minister also recalled that the land border had been temporarily opened to allow Armenian business representatives to travel to Kars, where an Armenian-Türkish business forum was held and, according to Mirzoyan, was welcomed enthusiastically by both sides.
He said the two countries are now considering holding another business forum, potentially on a larger scale, in Armenia.
Mirzoyan expressed hope that the border would again be temporarily opened to allow Armenian businesspeople to attend the event.
Asked to name Armenia’s next special envoy for dialogue with Türkiye, Mirzoyan said an announcement would be made when a decision is reached.
He also suggested that the need to appoint a new envoy was still under consideration.
“I am being honest: the question of whether a new special envoy is needed at all is still open,” he said, adding that the border could potentially open before the two sides agree on candidates for new special envoys.