On June 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul for in-depth discussions on the Armenia–Türkiye normalization process and regional developments. According to a readout from the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and achieving tangible progress.

Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to regional peace and emphasized his government’s focus on normalizing relations with neighboring countries. The meeting also covered the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, which aims to enhance regional connectivity.

Both leaders expressed readiness to maintain direct channels of communication and ongoing dialogue.

Following the meeting, Pashinyan posted on X:

“Had an in-depth exchange with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Discussed the Armenia–Türkiye normalization process, regional developments, and the importance of sustained dialogue. Armenia remains committed to building peace and stability in our region.”

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also commented on the visit, calling it a key moment.

“Accompanied PM Nikol Pashinyan during his landmark visit to Türkiye at such an important juncture. Dialogue, normalization of relations, and promoting peace in our neighborhood are central to Armenia’s foreign policy,” Mirzoyan wrote on X.

Pashinyan: Armenia–Türkiye Dialogue Reaches Unprecedented Intensity

During his working visit to Türkiye on July 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with members of the Armenian community and addressed the evolving state of Armenia–Türkiye relations. He emphasized that current contacts between the two countries are significantly more frequent than in the past.

“Unlike before, our contacts with Türkiye are now very intensive,” he noted, adding that both regional and global dynamics have broadened the scope of the discussions. He stressed the importance of Armenia clearly conveying its positions and nuances to Turkish counterparts at this crucial stage.

“I believe this visit is a good opportunity to present the official positions of the Republic of Armenia—along with their specific nuances and proposed solutions—to our Turkish partners,” Pashinyan said, noting that direct contact can give new momentum to the process.

He reiterated that there will be no “Zangezur corridor,” but rather a “Crossroads of Peace.”

“We’ve said there will be no Zangezur corridor, but there will be a Crossroads of Peace,” he declared, adding that the vision is rooted in respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. “There is no Armenia beyond the Arax River. Türkiye is beyond the Arax,” he said.

Pashinyan also acknowledged that the Middle Corridor is important to Türkiye and stated that Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative is aligned with this concept.

“It’s clear to me that the Crossroads of Peace can be a component of the Middle Corridor and is consistent with its logic. If they [Azerbaijan and Türkiye] want to transit through Armenian territory—why not? We are offering that ourselves under the Crossroads of Peace framework.”

Addressing concerns about regional ambitions, Pashinyan expressed skepticism over the notion that Türkiye seeks to implement a “Great Turan” project. “Now countries are eager to have cargo transportation through their territories, and we don’t want to let anyone through,” he remarked.

At the same time, the Armenian PM warned that Azerbaijan may attempt to present the opening of the Crossroads of Peace as the realization of the so-called Zangezur corridor.