The Diplomatic Forum, ADF 2025, kicked off in Antalya on April 11. CivilNet interviewed Serdar Kilic, Turkey’s Special Representative for the Normalization of Relations with Armenia, about the Armenian-Turkish normalization and his meeting with his counterpart Ruben Rubinyan.

Mr. Kilic, thank you for this opportunity. Please tell us about today’s meeting with your Armenian counterpart. What is your impression? What would you say about the Armenian-Turkish process and the Armenian-Turkish negotiations?

Well, this is not a negotiation, not even a normalization process. In my personal opinion, this is a process of building trust between the two countries.

So far, we have taken important steps. Recently, we decided to restore the historical bridge in Ani. Our working groups have started a technical study of the normalization process.

We will start pilot work very soon. We are doing everything we can to accelerate the normalization process because it is beneficial for both countries and both peoples. Ruben and I have good chemistry. We understand each other and do everything possible to move the process forward.

- What can you say about when the Armenian-Turkish border will be opened for representatives of third countries?

- We decided in this regard back in 2022 for third-country citizens and holders of diplomatic passports. We are currently working on the technical details. I don’t know when that will happen, but we are working seriously. I hope we will complete this process as soon as possible.

- And the last question. Today, you commented on the Constitution of Armenia. Can you clarify what you meant?

That is an important issue. As you mentioned, Azerbaijan is demanding amendments to the Constitution of Armenia. The Armenian authorities have already announced that they also want to amend the Constitution.

But this is an internal issue of Armenia. The Armenian people and the institutions of Armenia will decide how and when the process of this amendment will be implemented.