Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, while visiting Istanbul to attend the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) meeting. stated that, "None of us does a favor to the other by establishing diplomatic relations. Both countries need this." This according to today's edition of Hurriyet Daily News. Mr. Nalbandian is reported to have stated that the establishment of diplomatic ties is very much in the interests of both countries. Armenia has assumed the rotating presidency of the BSEC for the next six months. Commenting on the recent visit of Turkish President Gul to Yerevan, Nalbandian is reported to have stated, "When we are speaking about normalization, we perceive it in the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries and opening a common border without any precondition. That normalization is in the interest of our two nations. It is not right to present the opening of borders as a favor from Turks to Armenians. The Turkish side isn’t less interested in that than we are. None of us does a favor to the other by establishing diplomatic relations. Both countries need this. There is no necessity to create artificial obstacles." When asked about the Armenian chairmanship of the BSEC and whether it might facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, Mr. Nalbandian replied, "I don’t think that Armenia was waiting to assume the BSEC chairmanship in order to start a dialogue with Turkey. But the BSEC is one of those international organizations, where we have an appropriate framework to discuss with Turkey our possibilities for cooperation." As to whether or not Armenia supported the recent Turkish initiative to establish a Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform in the region, the Foreign Minister expressed guarded support, ""We've welcomed the idea of the Turkish initiative, as we are in favor of building confidence, stability, security and cooperation in the region which are in the basis of this proposal. But we have questions to clarify the mechanism of its implementation, its format, as well as other aspects. Till now, we haven’t had detailed and serious discussions on this." Foreign Minister Nalbandian was also queeried about what the election of Barack Obama as U.S. President might mean for Armenia. He replied that, "Since our independence Armenia and the United States have very good relations and we are committed to continue working together with new U.S. administration to deepen, expand and enrich our friendly partnership.We highly appreciate the President-elect's awareness and stands on Armenian issues and we think that the relations between Armenia and the U.S. will attain a new quality during President-elect Barack Obama's term of office and cooperation between our countries will be enhanced for the sake of our friendly peoples."