Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in a March 8 TV interview with TRT World on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, didn’t rule out Armenia seeking membership in the European Union given that the people of Armenia have “European aspirations”.

Mirzoyan said Armenia is undergoing a process to diversify its foreign relations and that Yerevan is discussing all options.

Regarding efforts to normalize political relations between Armenia and Turkey, Mirzoyan said talks continue and small concrete steps have been achieved, notably a joint program to restore the historic Ani Bridge traversing the Akhurian/Arpa River.

He said that while an agreement to open the Armenia-Turkey land border to citizens of third countries and citizens of Armenia and Turkey holding diplomatic passports has been reached, its implementation hasn’t begun.

Mirzoyan said crucial disagreements continue to hinder a peace deal between Yerevan and Baku, notably Azerbaijan’s unwillingness to recognize Armenia’s territorial integrity based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.

He said such a reluctance raises questions as to whether Baku, after the forced displacement of Karabakh Armenians, has its sights on the Republic of Armenia. 

When asked if Turkey has mediated talks between Yerevan and Baku, Mirzoyan said it had but pointed out that Ankara’s position resembles that of Baku. 

The Armenian foreign minister said any mediator must display a “balanced and neutral” approach to the matter.