RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the Turkish "Anadolu" news agency within the framework of participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan referred to the process of normalization of relations with Turkey, RA's approach to opening the border, the existing agreement and expectations, the negotiation process with Azerbaijan, as well as RA-EU relations.

Process of regulating relations between Armenia and Turkey

Referring to the environment of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Mirzoyan said: "Diplomatic forum in Antalya is really impressive. I had the opportunity to participate in the Forum for the second time. I attended for the first time two years ago."

Referring to the failure of the forum last year due to the earthquake in Kahramanmarash, Minister Mirzoyan mentioned his visit to Turkey, the disaster zone, as well as Ankara after the quake.

"Within the framework of the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey, special representatives were appointed and had meetings and telephone contacts. There were also phone conversations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. There are continuous contacts that provide positive dynamics," Ararat Mirzoyan said.

RA Foreign Minister also noted that an agreement was reached to open the land border between Turkey and Armenia for citizens of third countries, as well as holders of diplomatic passports. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia also stated that the restoration of the historical Ani bridge is also being discussed, reminding that some agreements have been reached regarding the construction infrastructures and roads in the border regions.

"Armenia sincerely wants the state borders to be opened as soon as possible, diplomatic relations to be established and ties between the two peoples and cultures to be expanded," the minister said.

In response to the question about the advantages of open borders between the two countries, Mirzoyan said: "The benefits of opening borders are obvious. First of all, this is very important for people. The development of relations, the growth of economic relations will first of all benefit people, which most citizens of Armenia realize."

Regarding the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan

"I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the peace agenda. We continue the negotiations with Azerbaijan towards the signing of the peace agreement and continue this process to strengthen stability and peace in the South Caucasus as a whole," Ararat Mirzoyan said.

Noting that the parties managed to reach agreements on some of the issues, Mirzoyan emphasized that the parties have different approaches to two important issues. "the first of these issues concerns the principles of demarcation of the two countries, and the other concerns regional communications and connectivity."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia noted that the parties, first of all, should reaffirm the mutual recognition of territorial integrity, adding that Armenia insists that the demarcation process should take place in 1991. signed under the Declaration of Alma-Ata. Noting that no one has the authority to draw new borders, Ararat Mirzoyan said that Yerevan wants this declaration to be included in the draft peace treaty. Ararat Mirzoyan added that Armenia is not able to get a positive response from Azerbaijan in this matter.

At the same time, regarding regional communications, Ararat Mirzoyan said: "We are interested in opening transport channels. First of all, the opening of regional transport channels is also very important for us, it will also provide us with great economic benefits. The "Crossroads of Peace" program brought to the agenda by Armenia is important from an economic point of view, as well as a guarantee of stable peace in the region.

RA Foreign Minister Mirzoyan emphasized. "We are against ensuring the safety of goods and people on the communication routes passing through the territory of Armenia by third countries. transport routes in the region must be under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the country in which they are located. The principles of equality and reciprocity are also important. The process should be built on the basis of these principles."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia added that the same principle of equality will be extended to the transport channels passing through Azerbaijan, and that the same jurisdiction regarding the roads passing through here should belong to Baku. Mirzoyan emphasized that the Azerbaijani side did not give an adequate response on the subject.

Ararat Mirzoyan, referring to the question whether the date of the upcoming meeting of the ministers was decided at the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeihun Bayramov in Berlin, the capital of Germany, stated that the date of the upcoming meeting is not known. Ararat Mirzoyan informed that they are in permanent contact with Jeyhun Bayramov, adding that they hope to clarify the dates of the new meeting soon.

"Now we really have a chance for peace."

In response to the question of what opportunities peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will give to both countries and the region, Ararat Mirzoyan responded: "Talking about the benefits of peace is a little pointless, because the benefits of peace are self-evident. This is an indisputable topic."

Mirzoyan noted. "I think our peoples need peace. Like other peoples of the world, our peoples also deserve peace, and none of us is doomed to permanent enmity. Now we really have a chance for peace."

Regarding Armenia-EU relations

In response to the question about the rapprochement of relations between Armenia and the EU, Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia continues to deepen relations in various fields with both the EU and European countries, referring to the existing intensive political dialogue.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia stated that Armenia cooperates with the EU in order to ensure economic stability and diversification of economic resources.

"We want to further deepen our relations with the EU," Mirzoyan said, citing the following statement by RA Prime Minister Pashinyan. "Armenia is ready to deepen relations with the EU as much as the European Union considers it possible."