Pashinyan clarifies minister’s comments on Turkey

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister and Civil Contract candidate Nikol Pashinyan has clarified remarks made by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during the election campaign about “the Turks opening today.”

Speaking to reporters during a campaign event in Shengavit, Pashinyan said that from now on, goods exported from Turkey to Armenia will officially indicate Armenia as the destination country, Sputnik Armenia reported.

Earlier, Mirzoyan had approached Pashinyan during the campaign and whispered to him, “The Turks are opening today, let’s prepare a ‘Welcome’ text.” Because the prime minister was speaking through a loudspeaker, the minister’s words were also heard during the live broadcast.

Later, journalists asked Ararat Mirzoyan what message he had conveyed to Pashinyan. The minister replied, “They will open it, and we’ll understand,” while also clarifying that he was not referring to the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border.

According to Pashinyan, Turkish legislation previously did not allow Armenia to be listed as the destination country for shipments.

He explained that goods sent from Turkey to Armenia had first been formally processed through a third country before being transferred to Armenia.

The prime minister said relevant amendments are now being introduced into Turkish legislation, after which Armenia will be officially included in the list of destination countries.

Earlier, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said Armenia is ready to open the border at any moment, but the process depends on the Turkish side.

Armenia’s next parliamentary elections will take place on June 7, 2026. Nineteen political forces, including two alliances and 17 parties, are participating in the elections. The official campaign began on May 8 and will continue through June 5.