We do not base our policy on that, says Mirzoyan on possible differences between Türkiye and Azerbaijan

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has said Armenia does not base its policy on possible differences between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

During a briefing with journalists at the National Assembly, the minister was asked whether potential tensions between Ankara and Baku could affect the Armenia–Türkiye normalisation process and help bring about the opening of the border.

“That is not something we want to play on, and we do not base our policy on it,” Mirzoyan replied.

He also stressed that individual arrangements with Türkiye were progressing and that dialogue was delivering practical results.

“We also have quite a positive, dynamic dialogue with Türkiye, and we have already taken steps. You may say the border has not been fully opened, and I would agree. But there are things that did not exist a year ago or two years ago. For example, direct trade in customs terms,” Mirzoyan said.

Mirzoyan highlighted the importance of building on the progress achieved, also discussing trade with Azerbaijan and transit shipments.

On 21 October, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry placed 31 Turkish citizens on its list of undesirable persons, banning them from entering the country. Those listed include Turkish MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, New Welfare Party leader Fatih Erbakan and other representatives of political, civic and media circles.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry justified the decision by citing their publications, which it alleged contained calls against the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order, for a violent change of government and for the incitement of religious hatred.

Earlier, on 19 October, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced that seven people living and working in Türkiye had been placed on an international wanted list. They face charges of publicly calling for the seizure of power by force, inciting religious hatred and distributing material promoting religious extremism.