Chairman of Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zahir Kandasoglu said that Van is actively working towards opening of the Armenian-Turkish border.
“Tragic events which took place in the historical past resulted in absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey,” Kandasoglu said before signing a memorandum of cooperation between Yerevan and Van Chambers of Commerce and Industry on May 13.
However, according to him, investments were made to develop trade and economic ties “to prevent repetition of such events and for the benefit of young generation.” “It is a great honor for us to return to Armenia 17 years later and we want the borders to be opened,” he said.
Mr. Kandasoglu invited representatives of Armenian media to Van to participate in the first service over the past 95 years that will take place in renovated Holy Cross in Akhtamar island on September 12. He added that things may change and, possibly, a cross will be set at the church until that date.
For his part, Chairman of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Martin Sargsyan added that the signed memorandum of cooperation will serve as a ground for development of bilateral relations in tourism, IT and trade, despite lack of diplomatic relations.
