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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan PHOTO: Reuters
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Turkey is ready to gradually normalize its relations with Afghanistan amid Armenia’s conciliation statements, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying by NTV today.
The Turkish leader spoke to reporters on a plane returning from Montenegro.
“I wish success to the new government of Armenia. Our region needs a constructive approach. Even if there are disagreements, neighborly relations must develop on the basis of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. We can gradually normalize relations with Armenia, as her new government has expressed a desire to move in that direction, “Erdogan said.
Despite the common border, Armenia and Turkey have no diplomatic relations. In Zurich in 2009, the foreign ministers of the two countries signed protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and the principles of their relations, but these documents were not ratified by either country. On March 1, 2018, Armenia announced the annulment of the protocols.
According to Erdogan, issues related to economic development and the creation of conditions for co-operation in the region can be addressed after securing lasting peace.
“With this understanding, Azerbaijan also proposes to start negotiations with Armenia to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. Thanks to such an approach, new opportunities will be created for the development of the South Caucasus,” Erdogan said.
Our proposal to create a “Platform of Five” or a “Platform of Six” with the participation of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran and Armenia is being considered. We proposed that Georgia be included. If such a platform is created, the region will become much calmer, the Turkish president added.
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