ANKARA – “We are ready to normalize relations with Armenia once a final peace agreement is signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He made the remarks on the evening of November 18 during discussions on Turkey’s 2026 state budget in the Turkish Parliament. Fidan highlighted two issues for the normalization of Armenia–Azerbaijan and Armenia–Turkey relations: amendments to the Armenian Constitution and the question of a transportation route planned through southern Armenia, which “were not included in the initialed draft of the peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku in Washington on August 8.” “With these sensitivities addressed, and once the final agreement with Azerbaijan is signed, Turkey will also open its border gates with Armenia,” Fidan stated. The foreign minister expressed confidence that “Armenia’s strong willingness to pursue peace in the region is largely driven by its recognition of Turkey’s commitment to normalization.” “Normalizing relations between the two countries, opening the border, and revitalizing economic activity are important issues for the Armenian side,” he added. Explaining why Turkey is not rushing the normalization process with Armenia, Fidan argued that Ankara wishes to avoid a new frozen conflict in the South Caucasus: “By normalizing relations with Armenia at this stage, we would be taking away from Armenia its most important incentive to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. This could lead to another frozen conflict in the region — something we do not want,” he said. While Turkey links its normalization with Armenia to the Armenia–Azerbaijan process, Yerevan continues to express readiness to establish diplomatic relations and open the border as soon as possible. On October 27, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke of a “very active dialogue” with Turkey, expressing hope for tangible results in the near future. It is possible that this refers to opening the border for holders of diplomatic passports and citizens of third countries. Armenia and Turkey appointed special representatives for normalization in 2021: Ruben Rubinyan for Armenia and Serdar Kılıç for Turkey. They have held six meetings to date, the most recent on September 12 in Yerevan.