Number 52 | September 5, 2008
Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul has accepted an invitation from the President of Armenia, Serj Sarkisyan, and will travel to Yerevan this Saturday on the occasion of the Turkey-Armenia qualifying match for the World Soccer Cup. Ali Babacan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister will accompany the President on the visit which will include a private meeting between the two heads of State, after which they will attend the game together.
According to a statement by the President’s Office, Turkey views this visit as an opportunity to contribute to a “new climate of friendship in the region” and the visit has gained heightened importance in the aftermath of the Georgian-Russian war. The statement further amplifies that the soccer game may create an opening for a new rapprochement between the two nations.
The official statements by Turkey clearly indicate that the visit is viewed as more than just a symbolic gesture toward Armenia, and is taken by Turkey as a first step toward a potential breakthrough to jointly address the problems that have complicated relations between the two countries.
The decision by President Gul was widely praised by EU leaders and the United States. The US has strongly supported the visit and President Bush has reiterated his support to President Gul in a telephone conversation on September 4, where the two leaders reportedly discussed developments in the Caucasus and their support to improve Turkish Armenian relations.
The European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn hailed Gul's decision to attend the match, calling it an "important first step" toward normalization of ties between the two countries.
It was also reported that the Armenian government issued the invitation despite opposition from leading Armenian diaspora organizations.