Erdogan says Pashinyan's recognition of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan 'an important step'

The promotion of the peace process between Baku and Yerevan will make a significant contribution to the normalization of Türkiye-Armenia relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with journalists who accompanied him during his first foreign trip after re-election to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Azerbaijan.

"The doors to peace are ajar in a region that has seen much grief. Therefore, the parties should not miss this chance and act responsibly," the Turkish leader stressed.

President Erdogan said the recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including the Karabakh region, by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is very important.

"However, as I said earlier, there are negative sentiments in Armenia against [Nikol] Pashinyan. And this is a very, very important point. Until today, Pashinyan has not taken a single step back," the politician said.

According to him, Ankara will continue to work closely with Azerbaijan to strengthen the unity of the Turkic world.

Erdogan also said that the recent visit of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Ankara is 'an important step.'

"Responding positively to the invitation of the Turkish side, Pashinyan overcame many obstacles and opposition moods in his country. I had the opportunity to talk briefly with him during the ceremony. I expressed gratitude in connection with his arrival in Türkiye," the president said.