Armenia and Turkey are set to partially reopen their land borders for the first time in over three decades. The land borders will initially be opened for diplomats and citizens of third countries, which will then be followed by the beginning of the tourist season. The decision to open the land borders was made after Turkey first opened the border in February to send humanitarian aid transports and relief workers following the earthquakes that struck Armenia. The borders between the two countries have remained closed for decades, and diplomatic and commercial ties have not existed for three decades. The talks are the first attempt to restore links between the two countries since a 2009 peace accord, which was never ratified. The war over Karabakh further strained relationships, with Turkey supporting Azerbaijan in the conflict against Armenia. However, the change in policy and willingness to establish communication marks a new phase. It remains to be seen what effect the open borders will have on the relationship between the two countries, but it could lead to improved economic prospects for Armenia, which has struggled since the border closure in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan.