Another important milestone has been recorded in the process of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told this to reporters Thursday, referring to the lifting of the ban on direct trade between Armenia and Turkey.

The Armenian FM said he considers it very important to create favorable conditions for the development of trade with Turkey, which still exists today, albeit in an intermediary manner.

“If previously they tried to export some goods from Turkey and import them into Armenia, it was done as follows: since there was no possibility of direct export, it was recorded there that, for example, the cargo was transported by land as an export to Georgia, it was customs cleared there, and recorded as an export from Georgia to Armenia. These are additional financial costs, which are already reflected in the cost price of the product in Armenia. From now on, anyone who imports any goods [to Armenia] from Turkey can import them directly to Armenia,” the FM explained, but recalled that the Armenian-Turkish border is still closed.

“But we are moving forward on this path. One day the border will be opened, too, and direct exports will be carried out, too,” the Armenian FM added, and noted that Turkey’s decision should have an impact on the decrease in prices for goods. “This is another important step in the overall process of normalizing relations,” Mirzoyan said.

Responding to the question of why the implementation of the agreement on reopening the Armenia-Turkey border for third-country citizens and holders of diplomatic passports of the two countries has stalled, the Armenian FM did not directly comment on the issue, but expressed the opinion that “the dialogue has matured so much that a complete normalization can be expected at any moment.”

According to Mirzoyan, there may still be various technical and political obstacles, including the Azerbaijani factor, but “it is gratifying to see how the individual pieces of the ‘puzzle’ are being assembled, figuratively speaking.”

As another example of the Armenian-Turkish agreements, the FM mentioned the plan for the restoration of the Ani Bridge on the border, and emphasized that it is a cultural asset, not a transport hub.

Armenian FM listed as well the Turkish Airlines’ entry into Armenia’s aviation, or the provision of scholarships, and stressed that the ultimate goal of this process is to have open borders, establish diplomatic relations, and, in general, form normal neighborly relations with Turkey.

Source: https://news.am/en/news/1035335