Turkish businessmen from Van want to reach Armenia in 3 hours

PanARMENIAN.Net - A delegation from Van, a city situated on historical territories of Western Armenia, including 27 businessmen arrived in Yerevan on a working visit aimed at tourism development, setting trade-economic ties between two cities, said Abdullah Tuncdemir, head of the delegation from Van, director of Van branch of TURSAB, Van Trade and Industry Chamber board member.

“It took the delegation 17 hours to reach Armenia, whereas opening of the border will allow getting to Armenia in some 3 hours,” Tuncdemir said July 22 during business-to-business meeting hosted by USTID and Eurasia Partnership Foundation.

The head of delegation called on parties to address political forces of Armenia and Turkey to open borders as soon as possible.

In turn, Chairman of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia Arsen Ghazaryan noted that despite conditions of “frozen” interstate relations and Turkey’s embargo on Armenia, such meetings, however, will help develop economic relations, create field between businessmen, serving as ground for implementation of large-scale bilateral relations in case of opening the border. Besides, he expressed confidence that upon its return home, the delegation will “become a messenger for Turkish people”.

Speaking about safety of tourist trips, Ghazaryan stressed that dislike city authorities of Ankara and Istanbul, leaders of Kars and Van always ensured due safety for Armenian citizens traveling there.