TURKISH CULTURE MINISTRY WISHES TO COOPERATE WITH ARMENIA IN RESTORATION OF THE RUINS OF ANI
armradio.am
17.09.2008 15:02
Turkish Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay responds warmly to Armenian
Culture Minister Hasmik Bogosyan’s call for greater cultural
cooperation. "We would like to establish friendly relations with
our neighbors," said Turkish Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay in an
interview with Turkish Daily News, adding that Turkey was ready to
embark on more cultural cooperation with Armenia.
"President Abdullah Gul’s visit to Yerevan was a significant
development in terms of Turkey-Armenia bilateral relations," said
Gunay. "At this point, steps Armenia will take are highly significant.
These steps will shape the cultural and political cooperation between
the two countries."
Gunay’s warm response came shortly after Armenian Culture Minister
Hasmik Poghosyan called for more cultural cooperation between the two
countries in an exclusive interview with the Turkish Daily News last
week. "Let’s start working collaboratively in the cultural realm to
help new generations overcome the trauma," she said.
Gunay said the Turkish Culture Ministry was ready to cooperate
with Armenia in the cultural realm if bilateral political relations
normalize.
"Hostility benefits no one. Our door is open to everyone. We
definitely wish to have cooperation with Armenia’s Cultu re Ministry
in restoration of the ruins of Ani and unearthing the monastery on
Akdamar Island," said Gunay.