MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND TURKISH PRESIDENTS HELD IN YEREVAN

De Facto
08.09.08

YEREVAN, 08.09.08. DE FACTO. On RA President Serge Sargsian’s
invitation, Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Armenia on
September 6 to watch a football match between Turkish and Armenian
teams.

According to the RA President’s Press Office, a meeting of the two
countries’ Presidents was held before the match. Armenian and Turkish
FMs attended the meeting.

Serge Sargsian expressed gratitude to his Turkish counterpart for
receiving the invitation and noted that direct contacts between
neighboring states were the only efficient way to establish relations.

In his turn, President of Turkey invited RA President to Istanbul to
watch a return match between Turkish and Armenian teams.

Presidents of Armenia and Turkey spoke of bilateral relations’
settlement, exchanged opinions over latest regional developments and
problems. Noting there were new possibilities for Armenian-Turkish
relations’ settlement they underscored political will of the two
countries’ heads to assume responsibility and set to the settlement
of existing problems, establishment of the atmosphere of peace and
confidence in the region. According to Abdullah Gul, inviting him
to Armenia, President Sargsian made the first step; his invitation
was accepted, thus making it a joint initiative, which can become an
example for the whole region.

In Serge Sargsian’s words, "we s hould strive to settle existing
problems a day earlier and not leave their heaviness with the coming
generations".

Serge Sargsian and Abdullah Gul also discussed Turkey’s initiative
concerning the establishment of Caucasian stability and security
platform.

Noting that Armenia had always welcomed a dialogue and was the
supporter of strengthening trust, security and cooperation in the
region, President Sargsian considered the Turkish initiative a step
targeted at the establishment of a favorable atmosphere in the region.

The Presidents stated the meeting was a serious impulse for further
continuation of the dialogue.

After the meeting the two countries’ Presidents continued their talk
at a working supper.