Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan gave an interview to representatives of Turkish media for the first time. In the interview held at the Prime Ministry building in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, Prime Minister Pashinyan answered questions from members of the press about Türkiye-Armenia relations and Armenia’s foreign policy.
“Dialogue Between Armenia and Türkiye is Very Important”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in his first interview with Turkish media, emphasized the significance of the ongoing dialogue between the two countries. “This dialogue that has begun between Armenia and Türkiye is very important,” he said. Pashinyan noted that he had held meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating, “The normalization of Armenia-Türkiye relations is now only a matter of time.”
Diplomatic Contacts and Border Agreement
Pashinyan pointed out that diplomatic representatives of both countries are in constant communication. “If we consider the previous period of our relations, this is a very important change,” he said. He acknowledged that while some view the lack of implemented agreements as a lack of progress, the establishment of direct communication itself is a major achievement. He reiterated that an agreement had been reached in 2022 to open the land border for third-country citizens and diplomatic passport holders, though it remains unimplemented.
“We Have Held Several Meetings with President Erdoğan”
Pashinyan highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, “During this period, we have held several meetings with President Erdoğan, we have had telephone conversations, and our foreign ministers continue to communicate.” He also mentioned concrete examples of cooperation, including the transfer of individuals wanted by Türkiye. Pashinyan stressed the importance of maintaining political will to continue progress.
“Every Country Should Confront Its Own History”
Addressing historical narratives, Pashinyan said, “I think every country should confront its own history. What is important is where, how, and for what purpose we use the information history offers us.” He noted that history’s lessons are not always clearly written and should be carefully interpreted.
Zangezur Corridor: “Unacceptable to Us”
On the issue of the Zangezur Corridor, Pashinyan said, “The expression ‘Zangezur Corridor’ is incomprehensible and unacceptable to us,” arguing that it implies a threat to Armenia’s sovereignty. He clarified that Armenia supports opening regional transport routes but rejected the use of the term “corridor” in the context of the 2020 trilateral statement.
Balancing Relations with Russia and the West
Pashinyan emphasized Armenia’s goal of maintaining a balanced foreign policy. “We are developing relations with the European Union while continuing cooperation with Russia,” he said. He also noted that Armenia’s interest in deeper EU relations does not contradict its regional policies. “We want Armenia to get rid of a foreign policy without alternatives,” he stated, adding that future EU membership would ultimately require a public referendum.
Yaprak Mutlu
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