The Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will open from March 21-31, 2023, to facilitate humanitarian aid to Syria. This development reflects growing cooperation between Armenia and Turkey after years of constrained relations, following increased dialogue and discussions on ethnic minority safety in Syria post-civil war.
The Armenian government has announced the opening of the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey from March 21 to March 31, 2023, to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision was made following discussions among Armenian and Syrian officials regarding the pressing humanitarian needs.
Historically, prior to the Syrian Civil War, approximately 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, with a significant number in Aleppo. The recent political changes following President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall in December 2024 have raised concerns about the safety of ethnic minorities in Syria, leading to fears of potential persecution.
According to Armenpress, the checkpoint’s reopening serves to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria efficiently and cost-effectively. The Margara checkpoint had previously been closed for thirty years until it was reopened in February 2023 to provide aid following the devastating Turkey–Syria earthquake.
Turkey had initially closed the border in 1993 due to an embargo aimed at pressuring Armenia concerning the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Nevertheless, relations between Armenia and Turkey have shown signs of improvement, as noted by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who emphasizes a newfound direct dialogue between the two nations.
In March, Pashinyan participated in a notable interview with Turkish journalists, affirming significant changes in diplomatic discussions. He expressed optimism regarding future advancements towards establishing diplomatic relations, reopening borders for transportation, and fostering direct business connections.
The Margara checkpoint’s temporary opening marks a significant humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting Syria amidst ongoing unrest and concerns for ethnic minorities. The evolving relationship between Armenia and Turkey, highlighted by recent dialogues and high-level interviews, suggests potential for improved cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: oc-media.org
