Armenian prime minister: Closed Armenian-Turkish border in favor of Georgia

Despite the closed border with Turkey, Armenia is actively cooperating with Turkish companies. Goods for hundreds of millions of dollars are annually imported and exported to Turkey from Armenia, says Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in an interview with four Armenian TV Channels when commenting on the protocols signed in Switzerland to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations.

The prime minister said these goods grow in price and often become unprofitable because of the closed border, which is in favor of Georgia.

"In the meanwhile, direct ties with Turkey will create rather favorable conditions for Armenian and Turkish businessmen. The possibility of opening the border is not so dangerous as it is presented to the Armenian public," he says.

"Today Armenia has contacts with Turkish businessmen via territory of Georgia. One should not expect any danger or unpleasant and unexpected things," Sargsyan added.

In compliance with the stand of the Government of Armenia normalization of the Armenian-Turkish economic relations and opening of the border is divided into two parts. First, how ready is Armenia to form favorable regimes in order businessmen get advantage of the open borders? It requires harmonization of infrastructures (activity of Armenian and Turkish customs points, crossing of the border, investments etc.) to ensure implementation of these regimes, he said.

"There are numerous issues requiring fundamental work with Turkish colleagues,"the prime minister says.

He believes this the very factor in the protocols that necessitates intensification of the activity of the two countries' governments.

"The Government of Armenia has studied the legislation of Turkey. Second, how ready are Armenian businessmen for opening of the border? They have already had contacts with Turkish companies. For instance, a delegation of Armenian business comprising 10 people is currently in Istanbul and negotiating with the Turkish party for cooperation. Both these processes are held simultaneously and gradually to make it possible for Armenian businessmen to make profitable contracts," he noted.

/ArmInfo/