Turkiye removes restriction on direct trade with Armenia to improve ties

Turkiye removed a restriction on direct trade with Armenia on Wednesday in a symbolic gesture toward improved ties between the longtime rivals.

Turkiye and Armenia have no formal relations and their joint border has been closed since the 1990s. Relations between the neighbours have been strained over historic grievances and Turkiye’s alliance with Azerbaijan.

Armenia and Turkiye agreed in late 2021 to work toward improving the relationship and appointed special envoys to discuss ways to reconcile and open the border. The efforts have resulted in the resumption of direct flights between the two countries and the easing of some visa restrictions.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oncu Keceli said on Wednesday on the social media platform X that technical and bureaucratic work aimed at opening the shared border was continuing.