Turkey Works to Reopen Rail, Road Crossings with Armenia Amid Trade Facilitation Push

Turkey is actively pursuing the reopening of historical road and rail transit points with Armenia, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. He stated that necessary maintenance, preparation, and tender processes are progressing on both sides to revive these routes. Uraloğlu highlighted the critical role of efficient transit in international trade, explaining that delays in visa issuance and cumbersome customs procedures can negate completed business transactions. "You are essentially wasting a completed job at the customs gates or due to visa procedures if visas are not issued on time and customs clearances are not facilitated," he said. The minister pointed to the lengthy transit times for goods from China to Europe, which can range from 14 to 45 days depending on the route. He stressed the need for simplification, asking, "If we are not going to facilitate this, then why are we doing trade?" Uraloğlu also advocated for the swift processing of driver and seafarer visas, along with streamlined customs procedures, particularly in relations with EU member states and other countries. He underscored that in the current globalized economy, no nation can achieve self-sufficiency, making efficient and accessible trade routes essential for economic activity.

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all trains are temporarily held at stations