Statement of the Turkish Presidency on Trip to Armenia

Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian has invited President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan to watch a soccer game to be played between the Turkish and Armenian national teams in a World Cup group qualifier.

This match presents significant opportunities beyond a mere sporting event. Especially at a critical time when developments in the region worry the peoples of the Caucasus, all parties should make best use of such an opportunity. A visit on this occasion may also contribute to a new climate of friendship in the region. With that understanding H.E. President Gul has accepted the invitation.

It is believed that the match will present an opportunity to remove the impediments to rapprochement between the two peoples with common history, and to prepare a new ground. We hope that the visit will give the two peoples a chance to better understand each other.