Turkish companies have been engaged in Armenia since 2012-2013. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told this to reporters at the National Assembly of Armenia Monday, as he addressed concerns that under the name of “American companies,” Turkish and Azerbaijani financial resources and companies could enter Armenia.

“They [i.e. the aforesaid Turkish companies] are represented in Armenia’s retail clothing network in the form of several brands. Moreover, in the case of one—very directly; that is, not intermediated, but very directly. I welcome these investments, as any peace between neighbors should be strengthened with financial investment if we want sustainable peace in the region,” added the Armenian economy minister.

“I consider it very normal that in Armenia, for example, in the event of peace, after opening the borders, investments will come, including Turkish ones, and we [i.e. Armenia] will go there, invest. If you think we can be a viable state otherwise, look at the history of the state over the past three decades,” Papoyan noted.

“Our cooperation regarding TRIPP [i.e. the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity regional communication project in Armenia] is solely with the United States. As for, for example, a hotel of some brand from another country, such as a Turkish brand, opening here—yes, it can open. Why not?” the Armenian economy minister said.