Erdogan: Turkey and Armenia have a priority to build up good-neighborly relationship

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a congratulatory message to Tigran Sargsyan on appointment Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the RA government's press office reported. The message states, in part,



"Dear Mr. Prime Minister,



On behalf of the Turkish people and myself, I extend to Your Excellency my congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.



I am hopeful that during your tenure in office, our bilateral relations will reach such a standard as may promote peace, tranquility, stability and prosperity in the region.



In our capacity of geographically next-door neighbors, we have a priority in respect of finding a definitive resolution to the problems available and building up good-neighborly relationship through dialog.



I am convinced that as favored by this new stage following Armenia's presidential elections of February 19, 2008, as well as owing to Your Excellency's efforts, specific steps may be taken towards the settlement of our bilateral relations. With this in mind, I would like to stress that the proposals submitted to your side and which, to our firm belief, may facilitate the progress in this process, still stand on our agenda.



I avail myself of this opportunity to wish good health and happiness to Your Excellency, as well as peace and prosperity - to the people of Armenia."



As a follow-up to Mr Erdogan's congratulatory message, RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan signed a communication in which he has referred to Mr. Erdogan's proposal on starting a dialog with a view to settling the bilateral relations. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia stated in particular:



"I wish to thank you for those congratulations and best wishes received on my appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.



I am convinced that through personal contacts, we will be able to promote the settlement of any issue of mutual concern.



I would like to reaffirm the willingness of the Armenian Government to initiate a constructive dialog and establish normal relationship between our two countries without pre-conditions.



I strongly believe that together with you, we have a historical mission to complete by shaping an atmosphere of mutual confidence as otherwise it would be hard to enter into an open dialog and settle the existing problems. I can assure you that our endeavors will be aimed at establishing peace, tolerance and stability in the region.



I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration."