Nikol Pashinyan’s meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan marks Ankara and Yerevan’s second attempt at reconciliation.
Published On 20 Jun 2025
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a rare visit to Istanbul to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in what Yerevan described as a “historic” step towards regional peace.
The visit on Friday was part of the two countries’ efforts to normalise ties strained over historical disputes and Ankara’s alliance with Azerbaijan, which has been in a long-simmering conflict with Armenia.
Turkiye will support Armenia’s peace efforts with Azerbaijan, Erdogan’s office said after the meeting at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace.
The two leaders also discussed possible steps for Turkiye-Armenia normalisation, the office said.
Pashinyan, writing on the X social media platform, said he had “an in depth exchange” with Erdogan.
“Discussed the Armenia–Turkiye normalization process, regional developments, and the importance of sustained dialogue,” Pashinyan wrote.
“Armenia remains committed to building peace and stability in our region,” he added.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonyan said: “This is a historic visit, as it will be the first time a head of the Republic of Armenia visits Turkiye at this level. All regional issues will be discussed.
“The risks of war [with Azerbaijan] are currently minimal, and we must work to neutralise them. Pashinyan’s visit to Turkiye is a step in that direction.”
Pashinyan’s visit came a day after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held talks in Turkiye with Erdogan, during which he praised the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance as “a significant factor, not only regionally but also globally”, and Erdogan reiterated his support for “t