The European External Action Service (EEAS) has welcomed a meeting in Kars between Armenia and Türkiye’s bilateral working group focused on restoring the Gyumri–Kars railway, as part of the ongoing normalisation process between the two neighbours.
The EU encouraged full Armenia–Türkiye normalisation, linking the initiative to its Global Gateway strategy and broader efforts to advance the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, aimed at strengthening Europe–Asia connectivity through the South Caucasus.
The working group held its first meeting in Kars, following earlier technical discussions on border infrastructure and visa facilitation, including agreements reached in 2024 on the Akhurik–Akyaka crossing and simplified diplomatic travel rules implemented in 2026.
The US Embassy also described the railway restoration as a step towards regional stability, referencing wider regional diplomacy. While technical engagement has progressed since 2022, diplomatic relations between Armenia and Türkiye remain unestablished and the land border closed since 1993.
Relations between Armenia and Türkiye have been historically strained, shaped in part by disputes linked to the early 20th century and the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, which led Türkiye to close the border in 1993.
Despite periods of dialogue and renewed normalisation efforts since 2022, including envoy-level meetings and limited technical cooperation, progress has remained incremental.
ℹ️ OC Media, The Brussels Times
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