Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke about relations with Armenia live on A Haber. About the possibility of mutually opening diplomatic missions in the context of the normalization of relations, Cavusoglu said, "In the near future, in the short term, it may not happen. First we need to do the other steps. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also came to Turkey. We met with him here at our ministry".
He added that the process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is also important for Turkey, and Ankara supports the signing of a stable peace agreement. The Turkish Foreign Minister also emphasized the implementation of logistics and transport projects in the region, stressing that now the East-West "Middle" corridor has gained vital importance.
"After the Northern Corridor ceased to be an alternative, we must take steps here so that it is in everyone's interest. As you know, we also opened our airspace with Armenia, started cargo transportation, and started mutual flights. When we say we opened our airspace, we mean that Armenian airlines can fly to third countries through our airspace", Cavusoglu said.
On the opening of the land border, he answered that it was opened both during the last earthquake and during the 1999 earthquake.
"Now, first of all, in order to be able to open that border crossing, together with the political conditions, it is necessary to complete and repair it, as well as the roads and bridges, because they have not been used for years. In addition, there is a historical Silk Road bridge, you know, it was built nine centuries ago, one leg is on the Armenian side, the other is on the Turkish side. We reached an agreement regarding the reconstruction of this bridge as part of Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Turkey," said the Turkish top diplomat.
According to Cavusoglu, to open open the border for diplomatic passport holders or citizens of third countries, the necessary physical conditions must be provided.
"Technically works are being done in this direction. Each side does its own work. Some joint works and on-site studies are also carried out. Specialists are coming from our various ministries, the works are continuing", he said.
