Armenia-Turkey Checkpoint Set to Open for Humanitarian Aid to Syria

The Armenian government will temporarily open the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey from March 21 to 31 to transport humanitarian aid to Syria, following discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials. This reopening signifies improved relations between Armenia and Turkey, as expressed by Prime Minister Pashinyan, who anticipates future diplomatic progress and trade initiatives.

The Armenian government has announced the temporary opening of the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey from March 21 to March 31 to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision stems from discussions held between officials from Armenia and Syria. Before the Syrian Civil War in 2011, approximately 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, with a significant number based in Aleppo.

Concerns about the safety of Syria’s ethnic minorities have intensified following the demise of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, with fears of potential persecution and reprisals. According to Armenpress, the checkpoint’s opening will provide a quicker and more cost-effective means of delivering essential humanitarian supplies to Syria.

The Margara checkpoint was last reopened after being closed for 30 years in February 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey that resulted in humanitarian crises. The checkpoint then facilitated aid to the regions of Turkey most affected by the natural disaster. Historically, Turkey closed its border in 1993 due to an embargo related to Armenia’s territorial actions during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, but recent developments indicate an easing of tensions between the two nations.

In March, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan granted an unprecedented interview to Turkish journalists, highlighting a new phase of “very direct dialogue” between Armenia and Turkey, which he described as a significant departure from past relations. He expressed hopes for the advancement of diplomatic ties, border opening for transport, and fostering direct business relations between the two countries.

The temporary opening of the Margara checkpoint marks a significant development in Armenia-Turkey relations, allowing for the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Syria amidst ongoing concerns for ethnic minorities. This milestone follows previous diplomatic shifts and signals a cautious optimism for future collaboration between Armenia and Turkey, including potential advancements in trade and direct relations. The current humanitarian effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.

Original Source: oc-media.org