News - Armenia deputy FM to Turkey news agency: Kars-Gyumri railway can become new gate for both countries

Armenia is pleased by the “positive dynamics” in the normalization process with Türkiye and is ready for “full normalization” of relations, the Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan told Anadolu Agency of Turkey, Armenpress reports. The comment came after last week’s meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York City. “We are happy with the positive dynamics that we have on Armenia-Türkiye normalization, but we do believe that there is much more that can be done, especially when it comes to the full normalization of relations and opening of the border and the establishment of diplomatic relations,” Kostanyan told Anadolu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Kostanyan described the talks between Pashinyan and Erdogan as "quite positive," with both leaders showing a "readiness to understand each other’s positions." He noted previous agreements on issues such as the opening of the border for third-country citizens and diplomats—an arrangement reached in July 2022 during the fourth round of normalization talks in Vienna. “We reconfirmed, once again that Armenia’s side is ready. We did all the infrastructure and technical work preparation needed, and we are ready to proceed to realize the agreement,” said the Armenian senior diplomat. Kostanyan expressed optimism about future cooperation, specifically in reopening the Kars-Gyumri railway, which he believes would provide economic benefits not only to Armenia and Türkiye but also to the broader region. “We know that many of the logistical chains right now are blocked, or are not properly operating, and Kars-Gyumri railway can become a new gate for Armenia to Europe, for Türkiye to Central Asia, to China,” he said. “Much more can be done, and it can be done in a more speedy manner,” he said about normalization of relations. “And the message that we are always trying to pass to our different Turkish counterparts is that the time to act is now. We don't need to miss any additional time,” he added.