In a landmark development for regional normalization, Armenian and Turkish business leaders have gathered for the first time at a historic cross-border summit in Kars. Supported by the Foreign Ministries of both nations and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the "Turkey-Armenia Business Matchmaking" event marks a transition from diplomatic dialogue to concrete economic engagement.
Key Highlights of the Bilateral Summit:
Border Crossing: Armenian business representatives crossed the land border directly to attend the sessions in Kars.
Sectoral Focus: B2B meetings covered agriculture, tourism, logistics, textiles, and technology.
Geopolitical Impact: Strategic shift aiming to boost stability across the South Caucasus
Bridges of Trust and Infrastructure
Kadir Bozan, President of the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KATSO), highlighted the symbolic and practical value of joint infrastructure projects, particularly the restoration of the historic Ani Silk Road Bridge. "A bridge is not just made of stones; sometimes it represents trust in the future," Bozan stated, emphasizing Kars' potential as a logistics hub for bilateral trade.
Representing the Turkish business umbrella, TOBB Board Member Saim Özakalın reiterated that commerce is the ultimate foundation for sustainable peace. On the Armenian side, Hayk Darbinyan, Advisor to the Foreign Minister, underlined that activating railway connections between Kars and Gyumri would unlock vital new trade corridors. Additionally, Ayşe Uzer from the Turkish Foreign Ministry labeled 2026 as a "breakthrough year," pointing to the Yerevan-Istanbul flights and infrastructure speed-ups as proof of permanent progress.