Erdogan And Putin Get Together With Turkish Businessmen

1/12/2005
Anadolu Agency

MOSCOW (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that a political will exists in Turkey and Russia to make mutual investments. ''Such investments could not have been imagined 10-15 years ago,'' said Erdogan.

Asked about what he thinks on the Karabagh issue, Putin said that neighborly relations between Russia-Armenia, Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia should be developed. ''We are all aware about the historical problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia will contribute to the peace process,'' he indicated.

Erdogan also expressed that Armenia must be positive in its approach to find a solution. ''Turkey's policy is based to find a lasting solution. If Armenia claims that it does not recognize the Kars Agreement, this would be a negative approach. The Ataturk Airport in Istanbul has been made available for Armenian passenger flights. We do not want negative relations with any of our neighbors, including Armenia. We will open our border with Armenia for trade once we witness a positive approach from Armenia,'' stressed Erdogan.

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