• Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan visits Türkiye for the first time as a head of state.
• The visit aims to normalize relations strained by historical conflicts.
• Pashinyan and Erdogan discussed regional peace and cooperation efforts.
• Azerbaijani President Aliyev's prior visit highlights ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
• Pashinyan seeks to end Armenia's isolation through diplomatic engagement.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in Istanbul on June 20, 2025, marking a historic visit as he becomes the first head of Armenia to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at this level. This unprecedented meeting is part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations between the two nations that have been historically strained, particularly over the events of World War I, which Armenia labels as genocide and Turkey contests. All regional issues are slated for discussion during this pivotal meeting, according to TRT Global, India Times, and Le Monde.

Pashinyan's visit comes in the context of a broader regional landscape where diplomatic normalization is critical. Following a brief conflict with Azerbaijan and ongoing efforts to finalize a peace treaty, both leaders are looking at ways to enhance stability in the South Caucasus. “The risks of war with Azerbaijan are currently minimal, and we must work to neutralize them,” said Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic endeavor as reported by Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

During their discussions at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to supporting Armenia's peace efforts with Azerbaijan and enhancing stability across the region. The Turkish president emphasized that Türkiye is using all diplomatic means to achieve this goal, noting the importance of the consensus reached in the ongoing negotiations between Baku and Yerevan. This supportive stance is critical in the context of rising tensions in the region due to external influences, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to TRT Global and TRT Global.

Pashinyan has previously expressed his desire to break Armenia out of its isolation by engaging more with both Türkiye and Azerbaijan, showing a willingness to consider amendments to his country’s constitution as part of the peace process with Azerbaijan, though he insists this should not stall progress. The historical context of conflict between the two neighbors, coupled with Armenia's previous concessions regarding the recognition of the 1915 mass killings, showcases the significant steps being taken during this visit to foster improved bilateral relations, reported by Middle East Eye and Le Monde.