Armenians in Turkey important bridge for normalization of relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish State Minister and Chief EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis said Tuesday that the government wants to improve relations with all neighbors including Armenia, adding that the Armenian community living in Turkey is an important bridge for this purpose.



Bagis met directors, principals and heads of Parent Teacher Associations of Armenian primary and high schools in Istanbul.



"We wish to improve political, economic and social relations with Armenia. Recent developments raised our hopes," Bagis told the meeting.



"I am hopeful and we see the Armenian community living in Turkey as an important bridge for this purpose. Because you have got a lot to add to this friendship," Bagis said.



He said hostility and hatred would go nowhere as Turkish and Armenian people lived together on this geography for centuries. He said Turkish and Armenian people would overcome obstacles together, adding, "We got over lots of difficulties together on this land. We have gone through very poor and troubled days together. Now we are experiencing maybe the most prosperous days of our history."



"Mosques, churches and synagogues have made all of us peaceful in this land for centuries. Democracy is getting stronger in Turkey and you (Armenian people living in Turkey) have great contributions in it," he said, Anatolian Agency reports.