The Armenian government has announced the temporary opening of the Margara checkpoint to facilitate humanitarian aid shipments to Syria from March 21 to March 31. This decision follows discussions between Armenia and Syria, reflecting growing ties between Armenia and Turkey, especially after years of closed borders since 1993.
In a recent development, the Armenian government announced the temporary opening of the Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey from March 21 to March 31, aimed at facilitating the transport of humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision follows discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials aimed at addressing the urgent needs in Syria.
Before the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, approximately 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, with a significant population, around 60,000, living in Aleppo. The escalating concerns regarding the safety of Syria’s ethnic minorities, particularly following President Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December 2024, have prompted this humanitarian response, as fears of potential persecution have intensified.
Armenpress highlighted that this initiative to open the checkpoint would enhance the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria effectively and at a reduced cost. The Margara checkpoint had not been operational for 30 years until it was reopened in February 2023 following the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake, which had necessitated a humanitarian response.
It is noteworthy that the Turkish government had unilaterally closed the border in 1993 due to an embargo aimed at pressuring Armenia in its conflict over Azerbaijani territory during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, recent months have seen a thaw in Armenia-Turkey relations, with visible progress in dialogue between the two nations.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan characterized this new phase in relations as a ‘very significant change’, citing an unprecedented interview he gave to Turkish journalists in March. He expressed optimism for further developments, such as establishing diplomatic ties and reopening the border for enhanced rail and road transport alongside fostering direct business relations.
The decision to open the Margara checkpoint is a significant humanitarian gesture following years of tension and conflict. This initiative represents a potential turning point for Armenia-Turkey relations, paving the way for future diplomatic and economic engagements. As aid flows to Syria, the situation reflects a growing commitment to addressing regional humanitarian needs and improving bilateral ties.
Original Source: oc-media.org
