YEREVAN, June 10 – Diplomatic contacts between Armenia and Turkey are accelerating, with the aim of taking concrete steps in the normalization process of relations between the two countries. According to a report by ermenihaber.am, citing the Turkish opposition newspaper “Yeni Şafak,” the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is anticipated in the near future.
Alican Border Crossing to Open for Mutual Passage
The report claims that the Alican border crossing in Iğdır is planned to open for mutual passage in the first phase. Preparatory works on the Armenian side have been completed, and the Turkish side intends to finalize its work in a short period. It is expected that mutual land crossings and trade will commence during the summer months.
Work is also underway to open the Kars-Akyaka border crossing. According to “Yeni Şafak,” the opening of these border crossings is expected to reshape the transport and trade networks between the two countries.
Current Trade Volume and Future Projections
Currently, the trade volume between Turkey and Armenia is estimated at $300-350 million. Bilateral trade is dominated by clothing, chemical products, food, and unprocessed precious metals. With the launch of direct trade, it is predicted that logistics costs will decrease, goods will reach the market faster, and the trade volume will increase to $1 billion in a short period.
No Clear Timetable for Border Opening from RIA Novosti
However, RIA Novosti reports that there is no clear timetable for the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border. This comes after a meeting in Yerevan between the Armenian-Turkish commission on the use of waters of the Akhuryan and Araks rivers.
Previous Announcements and Developments
Earlier reports indicated that the Armenian-Turkish border would open after June 7, once the process of constitutional amendments in Armenia is finalized, as stated by the Azerbaijani ambassador in Ankara. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also announced that preparatory work for direct trade between Turkey and Armenia had been completed. Turkish journalists visited Gyumri and the Armenian-Turkish border, and the Turkish press reported that the countdown to the opening of the Alican border crossing with Armenia had begun, with 90% of the work completed, according to Anadolu.
Discussions regarding the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border for citizens of third countries were also held, with responses from the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/06/10/21325666/1971233
