ArmInfo. Turkey plans to open a consulate general in Shushi, occupied by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the 44-day aggression of the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem against Nagorno-Karabakh.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the opening of the consulate to journalists upon his return to Ankara from Azerbaijan.
At the same time, the Turkish leader assessed his visit to the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, where an airport was opened yesterday, as successful.
Erdogan said that Kovsakan (Zangilan - Az.) has a strategically important location, and the established air harbor will make an important contribution "not only to the development of Azerbaijan, but also the region as a whole."
According to him, the restoration of communications between the region and the rest of the world, the strengthening of transport routes are strategic steps.
The Turkish leader also noted that during his visit he discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the region and in the world with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
"Our common vision of the South Caucasus is based on peace, stability and development. The demarcation of borders, the opening of communications between Nakhichevan and the western regions of Azerbaijan and the signing of a peace agreement [with Armenia] will be important steps that contribute to the normalization of the situation in the region. After many years, a chance has appeared for long-term peace in the region, and a heavy price had to be paid for this," Erdogan said.
The head of state expressed hope that Armenia would take advantage of this "historic opportunity".
According to Erdogan, progress in the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the process of normalizing relations between Ankara and Yerevan.