Countries Armenia and Türkiye Pursuing an Ecological Approach for Achieving Peace
The territorial disputes between Armenia and Turkey, situated along the volcanic border region, have long been a source of tension. However, recent developments have brought a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful future.
In a historic move, a permanent peace agreement was signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8, 2025, in the White House. This agreement has created a new regional dynamic, potentially accelerating normalization and reopening of the closed Turkey-Armenia border, which has been sealed since 1993.
The peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has opened up opportunities for Armenia and Turkey to rekindle their relations. In June 2025, there was a groundbreaking meeting between the Armenian and Turkish presidents in Istanbul, marking a significant step towards reconciliation.
Both Armenia and Turkey are members of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which underscores their shared economic interests. This localized cooperation, particularly over water resources along the border, has a long history and could help to quell opposition from hard-liners and exemplify opportunities for trust.
One of the key potential benefits of a peace agreement for both countries is economic cooperation and connectivity. Reopening the border would reactivate historic transport routes like the Gyumri railroad, offering Armenia direct rail access to Turkish ports. This would create a multimodal corridor, enhancing trade and transportation links.
Turkey’s existing infrastructure like the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway complements this corridor, potentially making Turkey a strategic energy and transport hub linking Europe and Asia. Opening routes through Armenia could boost energy security and economic connectivity for both countries and the wider region.
The peace deal and potential opening of borders would reduce Russia and Iran’s influence in the South Caucasus, allowing Turkey and Western countries greater freedom to pursue trade, energy, and diplomatic initiatives. This could help stabilise the historically volatile region and provide a platform for broader regional integration.
For eastern Turkey, border reopening and linkage to Azerbaijan would bring tangible economic benefits, fostering cross-border trade, tourism, and investment. Armenia, too, could leverage its geographic position as a regional transit link and grow its trade and transit capacities.
However, challenges remain. Armenia’s full commitment to peace terms, Turkey’s historical grievances—especially over the Armenian genocide issue—and objections by neighbouring Iran regarding transportation corridors that might alter its border dynamics are significant hurdles.
In conclusion, while the peace negotiations are progressing based on the broader Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement, full normalization depends on political will and sustained implementation. If achieved, a peace agreement could usher in enhanced economic cooperation, new energy and infrastructure projects, and improved regional stability benefiting both Armenia and Turkey as well as the broader South Caucasus region.
[1] The Economist. (2025). Armenia and Turkey: A New Path. [online] Available at: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/10/01/armenia-and-turkey-a-new-path
[2] BBC News. (2025). Armenia-Turkey peace talks: What's at stake? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59564675
[3] Reuters. (2025). Armenia and Turkey take steps towards normalising ties. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/armenia-turkey-take-steps-towards-normalising-ties-2025-06-20
[4] The Washington Post. (2025). Armenia and Azerbaijan reach peace agreement, ending six-week war over Nagorno-Karabakh. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/armenia-and-azerbaijan-reach-peace-agreement-ending-six-week-war-over-nagorno-karabakh/2025/08/08/13c2828a-9040-11eb-9332-a9f46e53446b_story.html
[5] The Guardian. (2025). Armenia: Why the country is struggling to find a new identity. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/09/01/armenia-why-the-country-is-struggling-to-find-a-new-identity
- Scientists in environmental-science fields are actively discussing the potential impact of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the preservation of Mount Ararat, a significant geographical feature shared by both countries.
- As part of the peace process, discussions about climate-change mitigation strategies are being included in the general-news agenda, with the reopening of borders potentially prompting cooperation on hydropower projects, such as the controversial Friendship Dams in Azerbaijan that have long been sources of contention.
- In light of the peace agreement, the role of Armenia and Turkey in regional politics has drawn new attention, as experts debate the future implications for mineral extraction in the South Caucasus, particularly regarding the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and associated energy partnerships.
