A notable development has taken place in the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process. In its 2026–2031 government program covering the next five years, the Armenian government included establishing diplomatic relations with Türkiye and opening the land border between the two countries among its foreign policy goals.
The program announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government sets out Yerevan's goal of advancing the normalization process with Türkiye over the next five-year period.
The program covers not only the establishment of diplomatic relations but also the restoration of physical and economic links between the two countries.
Armenia targets at least two modern crossings on the Türkiye border
One of the program's most notable provisions concerns the Türkiye-Armenia land border.
In addition to opening the land border, the Armenian government aims to put at least two modern, fully equipped border crossings into operation on the Türkiye border.
The program does not specify which two crossings will be used or exactly when they will open.
However, the Margara border crossing on the Türkiye border was previously renovated on the Armenian side and made ready for operation.
Transport, energy and digital links to be restored
Yerevan's five-year plan is not limited to opening border crossings.
The program also aims to restore and expand transport, energy and digital infrastructure connected to Türkiye.
The Armenian government also aims to become more integrated into regional energy systems and markets. Establishing or expanding energy links with Türkiye and Azerbaijan is also part of the government's energy policy.
If implemented, these steps are expected to give Türkiye-Armenia normalization not only a diplomatic but also a commercial and economic dimension.
Türkiye completes preparations for direct trade
Armenia's new program also aligns with steps taken by Türkiye in recent months.
In a statement issued on May 13, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye announced that bureaucratic preparations for launching direct trade with Armenia had been completed as of May 11.
In the same statement, the ministry said that the necessary technical and bureaucratic work to open the Türkiye-Armenia common border was continuing.
Under the new arrangement, goods traded previously through third countries can have Türkiye or Armenia listed as their final destination or point of departure.
Normalization process has continued since 2022
The current normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia began in 2022.
The two countries appointed special representatives for the process, and various talks were held between the parties.
As part of the process, the countries had previously agreed on steps to allow citizens of third countries to cross the land border and to establish direct air cargo transportation between the two countries.
However, the Türkiye-Armenia land border has not yet been opened for general crossings.
With Armenia's new government program, opening the border is no longer merely an issue addressed in diplomatic talks; it has become an official government policy that the Yerevan administration aims to implement by 2031.
Peace with Azerbaijan also at the center of the program
The change in Armenia's policy toward Türkiye is not independent of the normalization and peace process with Azerbaijan.
The 2026–2031 program also lists further institutionalizing the peace established with Azerbaijan, continuing border delimitation work, and completing agreements governing peace and interstate relations among its main foreign policy goals.
Yerevan also aims to increase contacts between civil society and the business communities of Armenia and Azerbaijan and to develop bilateral trade relations.
Prime Minister Pashinyan's government views improving relations with Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran as an important part of the country's long-term security and economic policies.
Five critical years for the Ankara-Yerevan track
By including the establishment of diplomatic relations with Türkiye, the opening of the border and the operation of at least two modern border crossings in its five-year government program, Armenia has made a significant political commitment regarding the future of the normalization process.
At the same time, the goals in the program do not mean that the border will open immediately. No specific opening date has been announced, and implementing the process will require both sides to make political decisions and complete the ongoing technical work.
However, Türkiye's completion of bureaucratic preparations for direct trade and Armenia's inclusion of border opening among the official goals for the 2026–2031 period show that the coming period will be critical for border crossings, trade and diplomatic relations in Ankara-Yerevan normalization.
