Third meeting held by special representatives for normalization process

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As part of the normalization process between Turkey and Armeni̇a, the third meeting was held in Austria's capital city Vienna today (May 3).

Following the meeting, Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a "Press Release Regarding the Meeting of the Special Representatives for the Normalization Process Between Turkey and Armenia, Ambassador Serdar Kılıç and Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ruben Rubinyan".

"Special Representatives for the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, respectively, Ambassador Serdar Kılıç and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan held their third meeting today in Vienna," announced the Ministry, adding:

"The Special Representatives reaffirmed the declared goal of achieving full normalization between their respective countries through this process.

"In this sense, they had a sincere and productive exchange of concrete views and discussed possible steps that can be undertaken for tangible progress in this direction.

"They reiterated their agreement to continue the process without preconditions."

Protocols, special envoys, first flights

To develop the relations between Turkey and Armeni̇a, the "Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations" was signed by Turkey's the then Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Armeni̇a's the then Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbantyan on October 11, 2009.

Signed in Zurich in Switzerland, the "Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" foresaw that the two states would recognize each other's borders. But no progress was made and protocols became invalid.

In January 2022, Turkey and Armenia appointed special envoys to normalize relations. Serdar Kılıç, a former ambassador to the United States, has been appointed as Turkey's envoy, according to a presidential decision published in the Official Gazette on January 11, 2022.

Shortly afterwards, a FlyOne passenger jet took off from Armenia to Turkey for the first time on February 2. The flight was carried out as part of the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia. Pegasus Airlines are also to operate flights between İstanbul and Yerevan thrice a week, according to Turkey's Transport and Infrastructure Ministry. (EMK/SD)