Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, during an April 10 interview on A Haber TV, said there are no plans to open an Armenian Embassy in Turkey any time soon, but the two countries are working towards the opening of border checkpoints. 

"In the near future, it may not happen (the opening of the Armenian Embassy - ed.), because first we have to take other steps. We have opened our airspace for Armenia. Cargo transportation is being carried out and mutual air traffic has started. Armenian air carriers can fly to third countries via our territory. But to open the land checkpoints, together with the political preconditions, the roads must be prepared, and the bridge restored. We have agreements regarding the construction of the bridge," Çavuşoğlu said.

Cavusoglu noted that the land checkpoint will be accessible to persons with diplomatic passports and citizens of third countries.

He said there is a "900-year-old bridge of the historical Silk Road (meaning the Ani bridge - ed.), on the border with Armenia that must be restored and strengthened to ensure transportation." 

The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that every step towards normalization of relations with Armenia is taken "after consultations with Azerbaijan".

Çavuşoğlu said that within the framework of prospects for achieving permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Turkey will provide support to the parties, as well as help in the implementation of infrastructural and cargo transportation projects in the region.

On April 6, Armenian State Revenue Committee Chairman Rustam Badasyan, announced that preparations for the re-operation of the Margara checkpoint on the border with Turkey have started.

Ruben Rubinyan, who represents Armenia in normalization talks with Turkey, today announced that the border should be opened for citizens of third countries and persons with diplomatic passports by the summer.

Photo: Anadolu news agency