Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his remarks at the event, TOBB Board Member Saim Özakalın noted that the meeting was not merely a platform bringing the business community together, but also a crucial opportunity to strengthen mutual trust, dialogue, and hopes for a shared future.

Özakalın noted that the global economy is undergoing a significant transformation process, stating, “Global trade balances are being reshaped, and supply chains are diversifying. We are aware that energy security, logistics routes, and regional cooperation have become more important than ever. Developments in our region are further highlighting the value of economic cooperation and stability. In this new era, cooperation will be just as decisive as competition among nations. With its strong production infrastructure, dynamic private sector, and entrepreneurial capacity, the Turkish economy ranks among the world’s most important economies,” he said.

- Ayşe Uzer, Deputy Director General for the Caucasus at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ayşe Uzer, Deputy Director General for the Caucasus at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also emphasized that the meeting marked another historic milestone in Türkiye-Armenia relations and highlighted the importance of business representatives from both countries coming together at this level.

Speaking about the steps taken so far in the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process, Uzer also touched on high-level visits. Uzer emphasized that these contacts not only added a diplomatic dimension to the relations but also transformed into a declaration of a shared will for the future.

Referring to the steps taken in the normalization process, Uzer stated, “[These steps] will contribute not only to the prosperity and stability of the two countries but also to that of the entire South Caucasus and Eurasian region.” Uzer expressed his hope that the talks would pave the way for beneficial, fruitful, and profitable partnerships for the business communities of both countries.

- “We have great potential for industrial and commercial cooperation.”

Darbinyan, Advisor to the Armenian Foreign Minister, also highlighted the importance of the meeting for the normalization process between the two countries, stating, “Türkiye and Armenia have great potential for industrial and commercial cooperation.”

Expressing his gratitude to officials for their contributions to establishing commercial relations between the two countries, Darbinyan emphasized that direct trade via rail would be possible.

Darbinyan highlighted that trade would extend as far as Europe, noting the importance of the development of trade between the two countries for businesspeople.

Conveying the message that the process between Türkiye and Armenia would also facilitate the development of commercial relations, Darbinyan said the meeting could provide an opportunity for businesspeople to get to know one another better.

Bozan, President of the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also stated that they had gathered not only for an economic forum but also to discuss the region’s future together, lay the groundwork for new collaborations, and establish a shared economic vision.

Bozan noted that Kars has a strong production infrastructure and is one of Türkiye’s leading provinces in agriculture and livestock farming, stating: “We have branded products such as Kars Kashar cheese, Kars Gravyer cheese, and Kars honey, all of which bear geographical indications. We hold significant potential in the livestock, dairy, food industry, logistics, tourism, energy, construction, and service sectors. Similarly, we know that Armenia also possesses significant expertise, particularly in the fields of industry, food, technology, tourism, and trade. Today, competition in the world is no longer just between countries but also between regions. For this reason, we should view each other not as competitors but as complementary economic partners.”

Following the speeches, gifts were exchanged, and the meeting continued with bilateral discussions between businesspeople from Türkiye and Armenia.