Armenia to Temporarily Open Margara Checkpoint for Humanitarian Aid to Syria
The Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Turkey will open from March 21 to 31 to transport humanitarian aid to Syria, following discussions between officials. This marks the first significant cooperation since the checkpoint’s reopening in February 2023 after years of closure. Improved Armenia–Turkey relations foster hopes for enhanced diplomatic and economic ties.
The Armenian government has declared that the Margara checkpoint will be temporarily opened from March 21 to 31 for the purpose of delivering humanitarian aid to Syria. This decision follows extensive discussions between Armenian and Syrian officials, reflecting a collaborative commitment to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Prior to the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, an estimated 100,000 Armenians resided in Syria, predominantly in Aleppo. With the recent unrest following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, concerns have risen regarding the safety and treatment of Syria’s ethnic minorities, sparking fears of potential persecution.
According to Armenpress, the opening of the Margara checkpoint is expected to facilitate timely and cost-effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria. This checkpoint had remained closed for three decades but was temporarily reopened in February 2023 to assist with humanitarian efforts following the Turkey–Syria earthquake.
The border between Armenia and Turkey was unilaterally closed by Turkey in 1993 as a strategic measure during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, recent months have witnessed an improvement in Armenia–Turkey relations, marked by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s unprecedented interview with Turkish journalists, indicating a new chapter in diplomatic dialogue.
Pashinyan expressed optimism for future developments, including the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the reopening of transport routes, and fostering direct business engagement between Armenia and Turkey. This positions the reopening of the Margara checkpoint as a historic step towards cooperation in the region.
In summary, the Margara checkpoint will be temporarily opened to facilitate humanitarian aid to Syria, marking a significant collaboration between Armenia and Syrian officials amidst regional tensions. With the historical context of Armenia–Turkey relations and recent diplomatic efforts, this initiative reflects a pivotal progression towards improved cooperation and support for vulnerable populations in Syria.
Original Source: oc-media.org
