Border crossing points connect peoples and economies, Armenian and Turkish business groups say in joint statement

Following a two-day Armenian-Turkish business forum in Yerevan, the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia and Türkiye’s Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a joint statement on the normalization of relations, the opening of border crossing points, and economic cooperation.

Below is the full joint statement.

“We, as representatives of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA) and the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO), consider the bilateral meetings held in Yerevan on September 3-4, 2026, an important and significant step toward the normalization of relations between Türkiye and Armenia and the development of economic cooperation.

As part of the program organized in Yerevan, 80 businesspeople representing the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry held meetings with representatives of the Armenian business community. Mutual trade and investment opportunities were discussed, and the prospects for joint work between the business communities of the two countries and the development of existing economic relations were assessed.

We believe that the business community can make a significant contribution to the development of relations based on mutual understanding, trust and common economic interests, regardless of borders and political differences.

We believe that the development of economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Armenia will make a significant contribution not only to the business communities of the two countries, but also to the economic and social development of border areas, as well as Van and Yerevan.

In this context, the following are important:

Increasing trade volumes between the two countries. The opening of border crossing points between Türkiye and Armenia and the mutual facilitation of border crossings. Improving transport links and making more effective use of existing communication routes. Mutual visits by businesspeople and an increase in bilateral-format (B2B) meetings. Assessing opportunities for joint investments and production. Strengthening cooperation in tourism, logistics, agriculture, food, textiles, industry and other sectors, as well as in services. Establishing stable corporate communication in the business community.

We believe:

The opening of border crossing points means not only promoting trade, but also an important step toward the normalization of relations, which will serve to strengthen contacts, economic interaction and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries. Opening the borders for trade, investment, tourism and cultural interaction is of great importance in realizing the region’s economic potential.

Van can become a natural bridge for trade and logistics between Türkiye and the Caucasus, and strengthening economic relations between Van and Yerevan will contribute to the development of regional trade and the strengthening of mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The ties established in Yerevan should not remain merely business meetings; they should continue through mutual visits, trade ties and concrete cooperation. We emphasize that one of the most important steps toward making this process permanent and sustainable is the opening of border crossing points and the establishment of regular trade routes.

We view these contacts between the business communities as a constructive initiative that, in socio-economic terms, contributes to the process of normalization of Armenia-Türkiye relations and the prospects of the South Caucasus, and we express our determination to continue efforts to strengthen mutual trust, develop trade relations, open border crossing points, and support regional peace and prosperity.

The Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia and the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry agree that trade is one of the most powerful tools for strengthening mutual trust: border crossing points connect peoples and economies, while economic cooperation contributes to establishing long-term relations.

With this understanding, we respectfully inform the public that we will continue our efforts to improve communication and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, increase trade volumes, and support the process of opening border crossing points.”

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A two-day forum bringing together the business communities of Armenia and Türkiye was held in Yerevan on September 3-4. It was organized by the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia within the framework of the “Support to Armenia-Türkiye Normalization: Enhancing Cross-Border Linkages” project, funded by the EU.

The forum aimed to bring together representatives of the business and government sectors of Armenia and Türkiye on one platform to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries, identify new areas and formats for cooperation, and promote the establishment of new business ties and partnerships.

The event included discussions and meetings on the potential for bilateral economic cooperation, the development of business ties, and opportunities for cross-border cooperation.