Türkiye is pursuing the process of normalizing relations with Armenia at the bilateral level, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci has said. She made the remarks at a reception hosted by Armenia’s Permanent Representation to the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) to mark Armenia’s Independence Day. “Recently intensified high-level visits between our countries have made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral dialogue. We have taken concrete steps in the fields of transport, energy and culture, as well as toward the resumption of direct trade,” Ekinci said. She expressed optimism about the region’s future, saying that these developments provide grounds for a positive outlook. Nairi Petrosyan, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to BSEC, said at the reception that Armenia had adopted a “neighbors first” policy. “In recent years, steady progress has been observed in relations between Armenia and Türkiye. Our intention is to promote and develop cooperation in all possible areas,” the Armenian diplomat said.