TURKISH PRESIDENT SET FOR HISTORIC VISIT TO ARMENIA
World Markets Research Centre
Global Insight
September 4, 2008
On Saturday (6 September), Turkish president Abdullah Gul will visit
Armenian President Serge Sarkissian to strengthen the bilateral
ties between the two countries (see Turkey – Armenia: 25 July 2008:
).The main topics on the agenda are stability in the Caucasus, with
the Turkish president hoping to win over Sarkissian for his plans on
establishing a so-called Caucasus Initiative; and the slaughter of
Armenians between 1915 and 1917, for which Gul plans to establish a
joint Turco-Armenian committee. Gul’s visit coincides with a football
match between Armenia and Turkey in the Armenian capital, Yerevan,
demonstrating a new era in the relations between the two neighbouring
countries.
Significance:Relations between Armenia and Turkey have been strained
for a long time for historic and geopolitical reasons. The recent thaw
in relations has angered nationalists both in Turkey and in Armenia,
which may render the next step in strengthening ties difficult. Yet
Gul and Sarkissian are set to improve their ties nonetheless for very
pragmatic reasons, which have more to do with the future; namely energy
and the resolution of conflicts in the Caucasus. The road ahead is
anything but smooth, however, as the Azeri government may feel uneasy
about the recent rapprochement between its ally, Turkey, and its
arch-enemy, Armenia, and may render things difficult for moderates in
Ankara and Yerevan. Furthermore, ongoing claims to Turkish territory
by Armenian groups and the unresolved issues of 1915-1917 will put
brakes on a swift and lasting improvement of relations.