Armenian and Turkish parliamentary leaders emphasize peace initiatives and ongoing dialogue amidst regional challenges.
On October 14, the speakers of the parliaments of Armenia and Turkey met during the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The meeting took place between Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, and Numan Kurtulmuş, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Simonyan described the meeting as “substantive” and covering a wide range of topics. They discussed the bilateral relations between Armenia and Turkey, focusing on the peace process in the South Caucasus.
The Armenian government’s initiative titled “Crossroads of Peace” received particular attention during the meeting. Simonyan presented this project to Kurtulmuş, highlighting its significance for regional stability.
A crucial part of their discussion involved the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Simonyan updated the Turkish side on the latest developments in these negotiations. He reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to constructive dialogue aimed at achieving long-term peace.
Both speakers emphasized their intention to maintain ongoing contact in the future. This meeting signifies a continued effort to improve relations between the two nations.
The normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations began in early 2022. The first meeting of the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey occurred on January 14 in Moscow. Following this, they held three more meetings in Vienna.
During the meeting in Vienna on July 1, 2022, Rubinyan and Kılıç agreed to facilitate border crossings for third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports. However, these agreements remain unimplemented.
Despite the closed border and lack of diplomatic relations, trade between Armenia and Turkey has continued. This trade has persisted almost uninterrupted since the post-Soviet period.
According to the Statistical Committee of Armenia, trade turnover between the two countries from January to May this year exceeded $131 million. Armenian exports to Turkey accounted for only $225,000 of this amount, while the remainder represented Turkish imports into Armenia.
Trade figures for the first five months of 2024 show a modest increase, just $2 million higher than the same period in 2023. These numbers indicate that trade relations, although limited, have remained stable.
The meeting between Simonyan and Kurtulmuş marks an important step in fostering dialogue between Armenia and Turkey. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, continued discussions on peace and trade could lead to improved bilateral relations.
Overall, this meeting reflects a broader willingness to engage in dialogue and work toward peace in the South Caucasus. The initiatives discussed may help pave the way for future cooperation and stability in the region.
