Turkey has accelerated efforts to reopen the border crossing point on its frontier with Armenia. Operative Information Center-OMM, citing local media, reports that Igdir Governor Firat Tasholar personally inspected the reconstruction and modernization works currently underway at the Alican border crossing (known as Margara on the Armenian side).
Accompanied by a technical team, the Governor reviewed the transit routes and administrative buildings along the border. The official emphasized that the restoration works are planned to be completed within a short period of time, signaling a potential shift in regional logistics and connectivity.
The Alican border crossing, located in Turkey's Igdir province, has remained closed for over three decades. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia were severed and the borders closed by Ankara in 1993. This decision was primarily driven by Turkey's support for Azerbaijan's position regarding the Garabagh region and other historical disagreements. The current modernization efforts follow a series of normalization talks between special representatives Ruben Rubinyan and Serdar Kilic, who have met in Moscow and Vienna since January 2022. Although an agreement was reached in July 2022 to open the land border for third-country citizens and diplomatic passport holders, the implementation of this deal is still pending.
The normalization process remains closely linked to the broader peace negotiations in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has consistently maintained that regional stability depends on the recognition of territorial integrity and the opening of communication lines, a position fully supported by Turkey.
