First Vice-Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament comments on opening of Van-Yerevan direct flight

Besides Turkey being Azerbaijan's brotherly and friendly country, it is also Azerbaijan's strategic partner, the first vice-speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ziyafat Asgarov told media today.

He was commenting on the intention to open direct Yerevan-Van -Yerevan flights on April 3. He said that in any case, it is necessary to examine this issue more thoroughly.

"However, one must take into account that Turkey is protecting Azerbaijan's fair interests and has not opened its border with Armenia up to now," he said. "Turkey is not going to open the border with Armenia in the future. As far as I know, this flight will be made by a private airline. In any case, we have the right to know why this has happened. I think probably statements will be made in connection with this issue."

Opening the Yerevan-Van flight is a personal, rather than a state initiative, Turkish Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismail Alper Joshgun told media today. Turkey supports Azerbaijan in all issues, he said.

"Everyone is aware of Turkey's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue," he said. "There is no reason to doubt that our country's position has been changed. Turkish-Azerbaijani relations are so strong that no flight can cause deterioration."

Turkish private airline Bora Jet plans to carry out Van-Yerevan flights in April.