Efforts by Armenia and Turkiye toward strengthening cooperation that  benefits all peoples of region commendable - U.S. Embassy in RA

ArmInfo.  Below is a statement by the U.S.  Embassy in Armenia:

"The United States welcomes the announcement of the lifting of  restrictions on bilateral trade between Armenia and Turkiye.  

"This step demonstrates both countries' commitment to expanding  economic connectivity, and promoting lasting peace and prosperity in  the South Caucasus region.  We commend Armenia and Turkiye for their  continued efforts toward strengthening cooperation that benefits all  peoples of the region." 

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oncu Keceli stated on May 13 that,  as part of confidence-building measures being undertaken in the  normalization process with Armenia, which has been ongoing since  2022, bureaucratic preparations for the commencement of direct trade  between our country and Armenia had been completed as of May 11,  2026. He added that the necessary technical and bureaucratic work to  open the common border between the two countries is still ongoing.  Yerevan welcomed this step by the Turkish side.

The launch of the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey  was announced on December 13, 2021, by then-Turkish Foreign Minister  Mevlut Cavusoglu. He also emphasized that Ankara will coordinate with  Azerbaijan on steps to normalize relations with Armenia. The parties  appointed special representatives of Turkey and Armenia for the  normalization process - Serdar K?l?c and Ruben Rubinyan - who have  already held several rounds of negotiations, but have so far failed  to achieve any breakthrough decisions, other than the launch of air  cargo and passenger transportation.