Türkiye completes bureaucratic preparations for direct trade with Armenia

Türkiye has completed bureaucratic preparations to launch direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalization process between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said the preparations were finalized as of Monday under the confidence-building measures implemented since 2022.

Border opening efforts

"The bureaucratic preparations regarding the initiation of direct trade between our country and Armenia have been completed as of May 11, 2026," Keçeli said in a statement. He noted that technical and bureaucratic efforts aimed at opening the common border between the two countries are still continuing.

Trade arrangement

The new arrangement allows the final destination or point of departure for goods traveling from Türkiye to Armenia via a third country, or vice versa using the same route, to be listed as "Armenia/Türkiye," according to the statement.

Regional cooperation

Keçeli said Türkiye would continue contributing to the development of economic relations and broader regional cooperation for the benefit of all countries and peoples in the South Caucasus. "In light of the historic opportunity seized to strengthen lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, Türkiye will continue to contribute to advancing economic relations and cooperation in the region," he added.

Normalization process

Türkiye and Armenia have been engaged in a normalization process since 2022, including talks on reopening their shared border and establishing diplomatic relations. The two countries have no formal diplomatic ties, and the border has been closed since 1993.