Armenia-Turkey Checkpoint to Facilitate Humanitarian Aid to Syria

The Armenian government will open the Margara checkpoint to facilitate humanitarian aid to Syria from March 21-31, amid improving Armenia-Turkey relations. This decision follows discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials, aiming for cost-effective aid delivery to Syria’s ethnic minorities and those affected by the Syrian Civil War.

The Armenian government has declared that the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will be operational from March 21 to March 31 to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision emerged after discussions involving Armenian and Syrian officials, indicating collaboration on urgent humanitarian needs.

Historically, prior to the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the Armenian community in Syria numbered around 100,000, predominantly residing in Aleppo. Concerns have arisen regarding the safety of Syria’s ethnic minorities following the shift in political power in December 2024, raising fears of potential persecution.

According to Armenpress, the decision to open the checkpoint aims to enable quicker and more cost-effective delivery of aid to Syria. Notably, this checkpoint was previously reopened in February 2023, albeit briefly, after a 30-year closure, following the devastating Turkey–Syria earthquake, facilitating aid delivery to affected regions.

The Margara checkpoint was initially closed by Turkey in 1993, as part of an embargo linked to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, in recent months, relations between Armenia and Turkey appear to have improved. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he had engaged in an unprecedented interview with Turkish journalists, noting a significant shift towards direct dialogue between the two nations.

The reopening of the Margara checkpoint signifies a pivotal moment for Armenia and Turkey, emphasizing humanitarian cooperation amidst regional challenges. With a historical backdrop and a current focus on aid delivery, this development could also herald a broader reconciliation between the two nations, as expressed by officials highlighting intentions for improved diplomatic relations and commerce.

Original Source: oc-media.org