Armenian FM to visit İstanbul after deadlocked reconciliation talks

Turkish officials said although they had not received any official confirmation from Nalbandyan's office, they would be pleased if the Armenian foreign minister accepted the invitation, noting that Nalbandyan had previously attended the same meeting in İstanbul. Armenian authorities confirmed receipt of the invitation and said it was being assessed.

In November 2008, as chairman-in-office of the BSEC, Nalbandyan made a one-day working visit to İstanbul. Former Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan visited the Armenian capital, Yerevan, one year later to attend the BSEC upon the invitation of his Armenian counterpart.

Nalbandyan's June visit would come amid strained relations between Turkey and Armenia, which have not healed despite reconciliation efforts that started in 2008. However, the tense bilateral relations have not hindered ministers from both sides from coming together at various regional and international platforms -- which are viewed by both Turkey and Armenia as excellent opportunities to hold bilateral meetings. The upcoming BSEC İstanbul meeting will be one of those opportunities, should Nalbandyan attend.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently visiting countries in the South Caucasus, including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. After that, Clinton will head to Turkey to attend the Global Forum on Fighting Terrorism that will be held on June 7-8 in İstanbul. During her visit, Clinton will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.

Turkish, Azerbaijani, Georgian FMs to gather for tripartite meeting

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia will come together for a tripartite meeting in Trabzon on June 8.

During the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoğlu, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze will discuss bilateral and regional issues, increasing cooperation between the countries and regional stability and security.