Pashinyan predicts diplomatic relations with Turkey but offers no timetable

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed confidence that Armenia and Turkey will establish diplomatic relations in the near future, although he provided no specific timetable or details of an agreement.

Speaking at the Third Global Armenian Summit in Yerevan on November 6, Pashinyan said he expected relations to be established on the basis of mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national borders.

The remarks came in response to a question from a summit participant.

Armenia and Turkey currently maintain no diplomatic relations, and their land border has remained closed since 1993.

A renewed normalization process began in late 2021 with the appointment of special representatives Ruben Rubinyan and Serdar Kılıç. Despite several rounds of discussions and limited agreements, the process has yet to produce a comprehensive reopening of the border or the formal establishment of diplomatic ties.

The negotiations remain closely connected to broader developments in the South Caucasus, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and discussions concerning regional transportation links.

Turkey has historically coordinated its regional positions with Azerbaijan, raising continuing questions about whether normalization with Armenia can proceed independently of Baku’s demands.

Pashinyan’s comments also come amid growing opposition resistance to proposed constitutional changes and concern over potential unilateral concessions in negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Unresolved issues include the Armenian Genocide, Turkey’s longstanding regional policies and the protection of the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians.

The prime minister did not indicate whether his prediction reflected a new diplomatic breakthrough or his assessment of ongoing negotiations.

For now, the prospect of formal diplomatic relations remains a political expectation rather than an announced agreement.