FM Mirzoyan says progress in Armenia-Turkey dialogue could positively impact Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization
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Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan believes that a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan could create an opportunity to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey. At the same time, he noted that progress in Armenia-Turkey relations could, in turn, influence the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the "Yerevan Dialogue" forum, Mirzoyan was asked whether a potential peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan could serve as a stepping stone for improving Armenia-Turkey relations.
“If I were to answer briefly- yes,” he said. “We have launched a dialogue with Turkey, with both sides publicly stating that the process should proceed without preconditions. I would like to note that we are pleased to see that the dialogue between Armenia and Turkey has not been as problematic as some might have expected.”
Mirzoyan added that the only remaining obstacle to establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey, reopening the border, and resolving connectivity issues is the unresolved status of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“In my perspective, if we make progress in our relations with Turkey, it will have a significant positive impact on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he concluded.