Preparations begin for opening the Turkish “Alijan” checkpoint on the Armenian border

As part of the ongoing normalization process between Turkey and Armenia, efforts to open border crossings have intensified. In this context, technical assessments and preparatory work have begun at one of the key border points between the two countries – the Alijan checkpoint. This was reported by Ermenihaber, citing the Turkish outlet Yesiligdir.

According to the report, the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the 44-day war has contributed to broader regional settlement process. One of the first practical outcomes of this process was the recent supply of fuel from Azerbaijan to Armenia – the first trade initiative. Against this backdrop, and amid progressing diplomatic contacts between Ankara and Yerevan, work at the Alijan checkpoint aims to initially open the crossing for cargo transportation via the Margara Bridge, with passenger traffic to follow at a later stage.

The project also envisages additional construction on the Alijan road, connecting it to the Karakoyunlu (Qara Qoyunlu) district junction and the so-called “Zangezur road.” This is expected to improve connectivity toward Igdir and expand regional trade and logistics opportunities.

To this end, Igdir Governor Ercan Turan, Head of the Migration Service Huseyin Kökr, Acting Director General of Logistics of the Turkish Ministry of Defense Major General Ahmet Hamdi Ataç, and representatives of several state institutions conducted on-site inspections at the Alijan checkpoint. The officials discussed measures to upgrade technical infrastructure, improve operational standards, and strengthen logistical capacity.