Turkey has removed a restriction on direct trade with Armenia in a symbolic gesture aimed at improving ties between the historic rivals. The move, announced on Wednesday, allows shipments of goods from either country via a third country to directly list their final destination or point of origin as Turkey or Armenia, lifting a prior bureaucratic barrier.
Background of Strained Relations
Turkey and Armenia have no formal diplomatic relations, and their joint border has been closed since the 1990s. The relationship has been strained by historical grievances and Turkey's close alliance with Azerbaijan. In 1993, Turkey shut down the border in solidarity with Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Recent Efforts at Reconciliation
In late 2021, both countries agreed to work toward improving relations, appointing special envoys to discuss reconciliation and border reopening. These efforts have already led to the resumption of direct flights and eased visa restrictions. Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oncu Keceli stated that technical and bureaucratic work to open the border continues.
Armenia welcomed the trade restriction lift. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan called it "an important step toward the establishment of full and normalized relations," which could logically continue with border opening and diplomatic ties.
Historical Context
Turkey's support for Azerbaijan was evident in the 2020 conflict over Karabakh, where Azerbaijan used Turkish military equipment, including combat drones, to regain control of territory. Additionally, the two countries have a bitter history over the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians in 1915 Ottoman Turkey, which historians widely consider genocide. Turkey rejects this label, arguing the death toll is inflated and resulted from civil unrest.
The latest move is seen as a positive, if symbolic, step toward lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, with Turkey expressing continued commitment to regional economic development and cooperation.
