Armenia-Türkiye normalization key to unlocking regional connectivity, expert says

The normalization of the Armenia-Türkiye relations is a vital part of plans to unblock communications in the South Caucasus region, according to British journalist Onnik Krikorian.

Krikorian's comments come in the wake of yesterday's meeting between the special representatives of Armenia and Türkiye for normalization of relations, Ruben Rubinyan and Serdar Kilic, which took place on both the Armenian and Turkish sides of the border. The journalist notes that the key question now is when border crossings will become the norm for ordinary citizens, not just special representatives. He suggests the meeting was symbolic ahead of normalization of relations.

Progress in Armenia-Türkiye normalization has been and remains closely tied to developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, in Krikorian's view. As for any economic benefits from normalization, some believe there will be none and Armenia may even find itself at a disadvantage. "However, there may be some benefits in the future, including from Armenia's sales of electricity to Türkiye," he said.

Krikorian points out that Armenia is "looking" westward in an attempt to distance itself from Russia, so this [normalization with Türkiye] is incredibly important not only for Yerevan but also for the United States, as they are particularly keen to squeeze Russia out of the region.

The expert recalled that, according to outgoing EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar, if normalization of both Armenia-Türkiye and Armenia-Azerbaijan relations occurs, then Ankara would be the best place to become the new and dominant regional player. US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien also made it clear in both Yerevan and Baku in July that this is how he sees these two processes - they are interconnected, hence his attempt to convince Yerevan of the importance of any link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through Armenia.