28.12.2025 14:35
It has been claimed that the Turkey–Armenia border, which has been closed to general crossings since 1993, is planned to be opened starting from January 1, 2026, initially limited to citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports.
Claims regarding the reopening of the border between Turkey and Armenia have come to the fore again. According to a report by the Russia-based Lenta, it is alleged that a formal document conveyed by Turkey's special representative for the normalization process with Armenia, Serdar Kılıç, to Yerevan states that the border is planned to be opened on January 1, 2026.
The document in question reportedly notes that in the initial phase, crossings will be limited only to citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports. According to a report by Ekonomim, the document also includes a transit proposal for cargo transportation to Armenia via Georgia.
NOT READY FOR CARGO TRANSPORTATION
On the other hand, the Armenian newspaper Hraparak assessed that Turkey is not yet ready for direct cargo transportation between the two countries.
"I HOPE THESE STEPS WILL BE TAKEN"
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a statement made two days ago, referred to President Erdoğan's remarks about taking some steps in bilateral relations in 2026, saying, "It is time to take broader and more concrete steps, both symbolic and non-symbolic, within the framework of our bilateral dialogue, and I hope these steps will be taken."
Pashinyan also mentioned that he believes the railway project could be the first step in this process, stating that Yerevan is working on providing modern infrastructure and advanced technology equipment at the borders and customs, and that this infrastructure will also be used at the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Armenia-Georgia, Armenia-Iran, and Armenia-Turkey borders.