Sahak Maşalyan, the patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Turkey, led a religious service at the Akdamar Church in Van province this Sunday. During the event, which drew attendees from several countries, Maşalyan expressed a specific hope for the normalization of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia. This call for reconciliation aligns with recent bilateral efforts to improve relations, including high-level visits and agreements regarding infrastructure projects like border bridge restoration and railway connectivity. While Turkey recognized Armenia's independence in 1991, relations were severed shortly thereafter due to regional conflicts. Previous attempts at normalization, such as the 2009 protocols, failed to gain momentum. However, current political shifts, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's focus on regional peace, have renewed optimism for a sustainable rapprochement between the two neighboring nations.
Source : Daily Sabah
Photo : Daily Sabah
