"We are at a stage where concrete steps, not symbolic ones, must be taken"

Answering journalists' questions after the Cabinet meeting, Pashinyan stated that the contacts maintained with Turkey must transition to a new stage. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan answered questions from journalists following the Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Pashinyan expressed his expectation that "steps will be taken in this direction," stating that "more comprehensive and concrete progress must now be implemented" in relations with Turkey. Pashinyan stated that "the contacts maintained with Turkey must transition to a new stage." According to Armenpress news, Pashinyan was reminded of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements regarding the possibility of some "symbolic" developments in bilateral relations in 2026.

There must be comprehensive and concrete steps

Pashinyan responded to this question by saying, “I welcome the readiness in this direction. Within the framework of bilateral dialogue, a stage has been reached where symbolic and even non-symbolic, more comprehensive, and concrete steps must be taken. I hope these steps will be realized.” On the other hand, Pashinyan announced that a document outlining the strategic framework of the initiative has been prepared between Armenia and the USA within the scope of the project referred to as the “Zangezur Corridor” by Azerbaijan and Turkey, which has come to the agenda under the name Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). He stated that field work regarding the project will begin to be seen concretely starting from the second half of 2026.

Railways

Noting that the railway connection could be the first concrete step in this process, Pashinyan reported that Armenia is working on the establishment of modern infrastructure and advanced technology equipment at border gates and customs. He said that this infrastructure is planned to be used on Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey as well. Pashinyan also expressed his expectation that new steps could be taken in the near future for the development of bilateral trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to pave the way for exports to Azerbaijan.