Speaking to CivilNet at the ADF 2025 diplomatic platform in Antalya on April 11, Turkey’s special envoy for the Armenia-Turkey normalization process, Serdar Kılıç, addressed his meeting with Armenian counterpart Ruben Rubinyan and broader developments in the dialogue.
Asked about comments concerning Armenia’s Constitution, Kılıç stated that constitutional reform is an internal matter for Armenia.
“This is an important issue. As you mentioned, Azerbaijan has demanded constitutional changes from Armenia. Armenian authorities have already stated they also wish to make reforms to the Constitution.
But this is Armenia’s internal affair. It is the Armenian people and institutions that will decide how and when these changes will take place,” Kılıç said.
Regarding his meeting with Rubinyan, he emphasized that it was not a negotiation or part of the official normalization process.
“If you ask my personal opinion, this is a trust-building process between the two countries,” he noted.
Kılıç highlighted that several meaningful steps have already been taken in bilateral meetings. He cited the recent decision to restore the historic Ani bridge and said that technical teams from both sides have started evaluations aimed at continuing efforts to improve relations.
He mentioned that trial initiatives are planned to accelerate the process, describing it as a beneficial initiative for both countries and their people.
When asked about the timeline for opening the Armenia-Turkey border to third-country nationals, Kılıç said he did not know when it would happen.
“We made a decision back in 2022 to allow entry to citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports. We’re now working on the technical details. I don’t know when it will be finalized, but we are working seriously. I hope we can complete this process as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier at the Antalya forum, Kılıç responded to a question about whether Turkey had requested Armenia to amend its Constitution, saying: “Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also made a statement regarding constitutional change. In that context, Armenia will make the necessary amendments to its Constitution.”
