Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia, August 2 – Turkey has officially begun the reconstruction of the railway section leading to Gyumri, a move anticipated to foster economic cooperation between the two nations. Akyaka Mayor Erduger Toptaş confirmed the initiation of restoration work, stating that the project is expected to conclude within two to three months.
Economic Opportunities and Cross-Border Cooperation
Mayor Toptaş highlighted the potential for significant economic benefits for both countries, emphasizing that the restored railway infrastructure would open new avenues for cooperation in the agricultural and industrial sectors. This development follows an earlier announcement by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in late May, indicating that the Armenian government would soon commence the reconstruction of the Yeraskh and Gyumri-Kars railway sections.
Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and a closed border since 1993, both Yerevan and Ankara expressed their readiness to normalize relations in December 2021. Special representatives were appointed: Serdar Kılıç, former Turkish Ambassador to Washington, for Ankara, and Ruben Rubinyan, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, for Armenia.
Progress in Normalization Talks
In July 2022, an agreement was reached in Vienna to open the border for citizens of third countries and to initiate direct air cargo transportation. However, these agreements have yet to be fully implemented. The first meeting between the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey took place in Moscow in January 2022.
In September 2025, Kılıç visited Armenia, where discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of the border crossing agreement reached during the July 1, 2022 meeting. Both sides agreed to expedite this process, underscoring a mutual desire for improved relations and economic integration.
Project Details and Future Prospects
The current reconstruction efforts are focused on improving the existing railway infrastructure. Tenders have already been issued for various aspects of the project, including the construction of the ground road between Kars and Gyumri. The completion of this railway section is expected to enhance trade routes and facilitate the movement of goods, thereby stimulating regional economic growth.
The restoration of the railway is seen as a crucial step towards fostering greater connectivity and economic interdependence between Armenia and Turkey. While diplomatic challenges persist, the commitment to infrastructure development suggests a pragmatic approach to building bridges and exploring shared economic interests.
The broader implications of this project extend beyond immediate economic gains. It could potentially serve as a confidence-building measure, paving the way for further dialogue and normalization of relations between the two countries. The focus on agricultural and industrial cooperation indicates a strategic vision to leverage the railway for mutual benefit, potentially transforming regional trade dynamics.
The international community will be closely watching the progress of this reconstruction, as it represents a tangible effort towards regional stability and economic integration in the South Caucasus.
Source: https://golosarmenii.am/arm/%D4%B9%D6%83%D6%80%D6%84%D5%AB%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%BD%D5%AF%D5%BD%D5%A5%D5%AC-%D5%A7-%D4%B1%D6%84%D5%B5%D5%A1%D6%84%D5%A1-%D4%B3%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4%D6%80%D5%AB-%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%A9/
