Armenia is optimistic about Turkish-Armenian relationsOctober 24, 2008 - 15:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is optimistic about Turkish-Armenian relations, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said on Thursday. Armenia works for normalization of its relations with Turkey, Nalbandian said in the Albanian capital of Tirana, where he attended the Foreign Ministers meeting of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). He said efforts are underway to open the border between Turkey and Armenia and to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said Turkish, Armenian and Azerbaijani officials, who held talks in New York last month, might come together again. He added the Caucasus Cooperation Platform, proposed by Turkey, was on the agenda of the talks. Such a platform would contribute to the stability and security in the region, Nalbandian was quoted by the Anatolian Agency as saying. Starting of a new process for the solution of the problems between Turkey and Armenia was a remarkable effort for the stability of the region, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan told reporters after the meeting. Babacan also said Turkey's final goal is the normalization of its relations with Armenia, as well as the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Turkey and Armenia do not have diplomatic relations and the border between the two countries is closed over the Karabakh issue. A warmer period began between Turkey and Armenia, who for more than a decade have not had any diplomatic relations, after Turkish President Abdullah Gul paid a landmark visit to Armenia in early September. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |