Turkey makes first high-level visit to Yerevan in 18 years

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS
YEREVAN, Armenia — Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz attended the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, marking the first high-level visit from Turkey to Armenia in 18 years and signaling a notable step in bilateral normalization efforts.

The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic development in the ongoing normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, with officials emphasizing its potential to advance regional stability, economic cooperation, and political dialogue in the South Caucasus.

Official statements

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the summit, describing the talks as comprehensive and productive. According to Yılmaz, discussions covered key areas including transportation, customs, energy, and digital infrastructure.

In a statement shared on social media, Yılmaz said:

“We are pleased that the constructive steps taken in the normalization process are producing concrete progress. Joint initiatives such as the restoration of the Ani Bridge will contribute to lasting peace and trust.”

Normalization process and cooperation

The meeting highlighted mutual interest in strengthening regional peace, enhancing economic ties, and increasing people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Both sides signaled their commitment to continuing dialogue and advancing practical cooperation projects. The planned joint restoration of the historic Ani Bridge was cited as a symbolic and tangible step in building trust.

First high-level contact in 18 years

The last high-level visit from Turkey to Armenia took place on September 6, 2008, when then-President Abdullah Gül traveled to Yerevan to attend a football match between the two national teams.

That visit, widely referred to as “football diplomacy,” was seen as a breakthrough moment in efforts to improve relations between the two countries.

Yılmaz’s visit now marks the first such high-level engagement in nearly two decades.

Exception at the summit

The European Political Community summits are typically attended only by heads of state or government. However, according to the German news agency dpa, an exception was made in this case.

An EU official described the presence of a Turkish representative at an international meeting hosted in Armenia as “a historic moment,” citing the unique context of Turkey-Armenia relations.

Summit agenda

The 8th European Political Community summit in Yerevan is being held under the theme “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.”

Leaders at the summit are discussing regional security, economic cooperation, and political coordination across Europe and neighboring regions.

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