Armenian PM Pashinyan, Turkish President Erdogan Discuss South Caucasus Peace in Rare Istanbul Meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a rare and historic meeting in Istanbul to discuss the normalization of ties between their countries and broader regional stability. The leaders emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and potential steps toward restoring diplomatic relations, acknowledging the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a crucial factor. Erdogan reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting a 'win-win' approach for regional development and pledged full diplomatic support to peace efforts in the South Caucasus. Both leaders addressed regional security concerns, including the recent violence between Israel and Iran, and highlighted the need for stability across the Caucasus and beyond. Pashinyan expressed Armenia's dedication to peace and stability, and the meeting marks the first high-level visit by an Armenian head of government to Turkey. The discussions also come amid Turkey's backing of Azerbaijan and its condition that a lasting Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement is necessary for full normalization with Armenia.