PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union welcomed the launch of direct trade between Armenia and Turkey. A statement to that effect was issued by Anita Hipper, spokesperson for the European Union's diplomatic service.

She said the move could promote regional economic cooperation, Armenpress reported.

"The European Union warmly welcomes Turkey's announcement on launching bilateral trade with Armenia. This is a significant development in the process of normalizing relations between them, as also demonstrated by the bilateral working group meeting held on April 28, 2026, regarding the restoration of railway communication between the two countries, which we welcomed.

This important step can contribute to expanding trade and economic opportunities between the two countries, with a positive impact on the entire South Caucasus as well as the European Union.

We encourage both countries to continue working together, including toward opening the border," the statement said.

On May 13, Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced the launch of direct trade with Armenia. Armenia's Foreign Ministry welcomed the statement by Turkey's foreign policy agency, noting that it represents an important step toward developing full and normal relations between the two countries.

Armenia's Economy Ministry also informed Armenian businesses that they can now conduct direct trade with Turkey without re-export procedures. Armenia's State Revenue Committee addressed the issue as well, explaining that previously Turkish supplier companies could not list Armenian businesses as recipients or Armenia as the destination country in export declarations submitted to Turkish customs authorities. As a result, goods reached Armenia through intermediary entities in third countries, such as Georgia, under re-export arrangements.

The SRC clarified that Armenian businesses may now import goods from Turkey directly in their own name without intermediaries.

Source: PanArmenian.Net