"We live in a global world where economy plays a key role, so close border is not advantageous to Armenian and Turkish businessman," Alexander Sotnichenko, a senior fellow at Saint Petersburg Center of Oriental Studies, told PanARMENIAN.Net. At that he drew parallels between Armenian-Turkish and Japanese-Russian relations, noting that South Kuril island which remains a disputable issue between the latter two states does not affect their mutual ties as is the case with Armenian-Turkish relations. "Armenian Genocide issue may remain unresolved for 40-60 years to come but that shouldn't impact economic relations between two states. Border can be opened," expert stressed.