The Armenian population, in general, wants to normalize relations with Turkey, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said this in an interview with Anadolu Agency during the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya.

"I would like to recall important episodes between Armenia and Turkey in previous months. The leaders of the two countries exchanged public statements expressing their willingness to start negotiations between the two countries. Special representatives were later appointed and have already held two meetings, in Moscow and Vienna, during which they agreed to continue negotiations without preconditions, aimed at a full normalization of relations. I visited Antalya to reaffirm the Armenian government's political will to achieve full normalization of relations with Turkey and open an era of peace and sustainable development in the region.

Overall, we assess positively the process of normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Armenia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and open its borders. I was happy to hear from my Turkish colleague that they also have the political will to bring this process towards that goal. Now that world events are moving very quickly, we should not hesitate to take concrete steps.

People already enjoy direct flights from Yerevan to Istanbul. Opening the borders will have a positive impact on communication between the two countries, trade and economic relations, people-to-people contacts and overall stability in the region.

This is the first visit of a high-ranking Armenian official to Turkey in a decade. If the settlement process goes well and we achieve positive results, reciprocal visits are also possible.

In general, the Armenian population wants to normalize relations with Turkey. This is also reflected in public opinion polls. Of course, there are groups in both Armenian and Turkish society that are skeptical about this process.

Officials on both sides need to take the lead in addressing these issues. During my meeting with Cavusoglu we exchanged views on some painful points, and I hope they will be taken into consideration," the Armenian Foreign Minister said.

16 March 2022 / 13:55