Report: Turkey looking to establish more air routes with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The possible launch of flights from Armenia to the cities of Van and Kars in Turkey is under discussion, according to Hurriyet daily news, which has obtained details from a recent briefing held at the country's Presidency.

Turkey and Armenia held their first meeting at the level of special envoys in Moscow in mid-January and agreed to continue talks for reconciling and establishing diplomatic and economic bonds after three decades. As part of confidence-building measures, they have also agreed to start reciprocal charter flights between Istanbul and Yerevan.

According to the information obtained from the briefing, it has been agreed that further studies should be made to launch flights between different cities, including Kars and Van, the cities hosting important religious and historical sites for Armenians. Especially Van, where a historical Armenian Church on Akdamar Island is located, can turn into a touristic spot for the Armenians, noted the briefing.

Plus, participants of the meeting discussed the need for a restoration campaign of some historical architectural structures near Kars, including bridges and buildings that are of importance to Armenians. In addition, increasing trade and economic activities with Armenia would ease up the Armenian diaspora, which seems to be skeptical about normalizing ties with Turkey.