Türkiye and Armenia hold second round of railway normalization talks

Türkiye and Armenia have advanced their bilateral normalization efforts with a second round of technical talks focused on restoring the cross-border railway connection between their territories. The discussions, held on Thursday, centered on the rehabilitation and eventual operationalization of the railway link connecting Kars in northeastern Türkiye with Gyumri in Armenia.

Meeting Locations and Participants

The technical negotiations took place at multiple locations, including the Akyaka-Akhurik border crossing that separates the two nations and in the Armenian city of Gyumri. Representatives from relevant governmental institutions of both countries participated in the discussions, which addressed the practical aspects of restoring the railway infrastructure that has been inactive for decades.

Normalization Framework

These technical railway talks form part of the broader framework established during meetings between special envoys overseeing the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process. The railway rehabilitation represents one of the most tangible confidence-building measures in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between the two neighboring countries after years of strained relations.

Strategic Importance

The Kars-Gyumri railway, when operational, would reconnect two cities located approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) apart across the border. The restoration of this transportation link holds significant potential for enhancing regional trade and connectivity, serving as a physical manifestation of the improving diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Armenia within the South Caucasus region.