Rubinyan: Armenia ready to open borders with Türkiye, establish diplomatic relations

Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ruben Rubinyan told journalists that he will discuss issues related to the opening of borders and the establishment of diplomatic relations at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Serdar Kilic, Report informs referring to Armenian media.

The special representative noted that the agreements reached in Washington between Armenia and Azerbaijan have a positive impact on regional processes.

"We are optimistic. The talks with Serdar Kilic will mainly focus on issues related to the opening of borders and the establishment of diplomatic relations," Rubinyan said.

According to him, the issue of opening borders will be key at the upcoming meetings with the Turkish side. He also noted that the 2023 agreement with Türkiye on opening borders for third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports has not yet been implemented, but expressed hope for the soonest implementation of the agreements reached. The politician added that he sees no reason why Türkiye should delay opening the border.

He stressed that the entire process of normalizing relations is aimed at restoring dialogue and strengthening diplomatic ties. Rubinyan did not say where the meeting would take place - in Yerevan or in the border area.

At the meeting the parties will discuss the functioning of the Margara-Alijan border checkpoint and the implementation of previously adopted decisions. This will be the first meeting of representatives of the two countries at the delegation level, which should advance the process of normalizing relations.