A video has circulated online showing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chatting with a Turkish journalist on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya. During the conversation, the Prime Minister asks what song is playing and inquires whether it is political in nature.
The journalist explains that the song playing is "Kiss Kiss" by Turkish megastar Tarkan, and asks in surprise whether the Prime Minister does not know the singer. When Pashinyan replies that he does, the journalist suggests they join hands to make a heart sign.
The Turkish journalist then states that Turkey and Armenia can now be considered brothers, as they are building good relations and are very happy about it. He also expresses hope that in the future Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey will cooperate in the region, which he believes will be better for all peoples, and asks for the Prime Minister's opinion.
Nikol Pashinyan agrees with the sentiment, responding that they must work toward cooperation, peace, and prosperity. The Prime Minister adds that, in his opinion, the sides are currently on that very path.
This brief episode filmed in Antalya illustrates how informal interactions taking place outside official protocol draw public attention. Such videos often become subjects of debate because, in the context of regional relations, every gesture and phrasing takes on particular significance.
For some, this may be viewed as a display of open and direct communication aimed at a peace agenda, while for others, it may be seen as an overly casual approach to sensitive issues. It is precisely these differing perceptions that cause a few sentences spoken behind the scenes of an international conference to spread rapidly across the internet.
