Iran, Turkey open Kapikoy border crossing

January 29, 2011 - 0:0

TEHRAN -- Iran and Turkey opened their third border crossing between the Iranian West Azarbaijan Province and the Turkish Van Province.

Turkey’s State Minister Cevdet Yilmaz and Iran’s assistant first vice-president Ali Aqa-Mohammadi inaugurated the Kapikoy border crossing on Thursday.
World Bulletin quoted Yilmaz as saying, “The border should be considered as something uniting the countries, not separating them.”
Speaking at the Iranian side, Yilmaz said efforts were underway to boost economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
Referring to the $30 billion trade target put forth by the leaders, Yilmaz said, “There is a strong political will. Both parties have to fulfill their responsibilities to this end.”
“Finalizing trade deals between Turkey and Iran and boosting free trade are parts of the efforts. There are also important opportunities to improve relations in tourism,” he added.
Yilmaz said boosting bilateral relations would contribute to the welfare of 150 million people and help the improvement of political relations.
“We made an important step. Studies continue in Gurbulak and Esendere border crossings. Kapikoy border gate is an extremely critical area,” Yilmaz said.