Fri Jun 20 13:45:47 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Pashinyan and Erdogan Meet in Istanbul for Landmark Reconciliation Talks**

Istanbul, Turkey – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul today, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to normalize relations between the two nations. This marks the second attempt at reconciliation between Ankara and Yerevan, following a failed attempt in 2009.

The meeting, held at Dolmabahce Palace, is considered “historic” by Yerevan, with Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonyan emphasizing the importance of reducing the risk of war with Azerbaijan. Discussions are expected to focus on signing a comprehensive peace treaty, as well as broader regional issues, including the recent tensions between Israel and Iran.

Relations between Armenia and Turkey have been strained for decades, primarily due to historical disputes surrounding the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, which Armenia considers genocide. Turkey rejects this label, asserting the deaths were a result of civil unrest and the death toll is inflated. Furthermore, Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has added complexity to the relationship.

The visit follows a meeting between Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. While Baku and Yerevan agreed on a peace deal in March, Azerbaijan has since demanded constitutional changes from Armenia before signing.

Despite the historical challenges, both countries have taken steps towards normalization, including the appointment of special envoys in 2021 and the resumption of commercial flights in 2022. Pashinyan’s government has also signaled a willingness to compromise, notably by halting its campaign for international recognition of the Armenian genocide.

While Pashinyan previously attended Erdogan’s inauguration in 2023, this meeting represents a more formal and substantive attempt to bridge the divide between Armenia and Turkey. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for regional stability and cooperation.

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