A new chapter has been opened in relations between Armenia and Turkey, and the latter is really happy to see that talks are underway between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Fatma Aksal, a member of the Turkish parliament, told this to reporters Monday, on the margins of the 108th Rose-Roth Seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which is being held in Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

Turkey encourages the start of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They all are neighbors, therefore good relations between Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and all the countries of the South Caucasus will benefit all countries. No one benefits from war, and peace benefits everyone. Turkey is very happy that there are contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and between Armenia and Turkey. If peace is established between these countries, it will spread throughout the world. And if there is peace in one part of the world, it will spread also to another part of the world, Aksal said.

When asked when the border between Armenia and Turkey will be opened, the Turkish lawmaker replied that perhaps they will open, they hope that the borders will be opened as soon as possible. Now they already have flights and are trying to increase direct flights to Turkey, and dialogues are still underway; so, there is a need to wait.

There are wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and therefore Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the region can be a good example for other countries in establishing peace, she added.

To the question as to whether the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is conditioned by Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Aksal responded that the establishment of peace and the establishment of good relations between Armenia and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are very important for both sides. Armenia has the opportunity to establish peace between these countries, but Turkey does not have any conditions under which the border with Armenia will be opened. At the moment, the dialogue process is taking place, and they hope that everything will happen soon, but there are no conditions by Turkey, she added.

Speaking about Turkey's position on the “Trump Route,” Aksal said this route will be very important in terms of strengthening trade and good relations. Turkey is going to use that route, and it is not only Armenia that will benefit from this.

Also, reporters asked what Turkey will gains from the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan and from the opening of borders with Armenia. In response, Fatma Aksal noted that Turkey values this opportunity, both countries will benefit from it, including the economic benefit. Also, Turkey will have economic ties with Armenia, and the development of trade will play a major role in this, she added.