GYUMRI — Construction is underway to restore the infrastructure of the Akyaka–Gyumri railway line, with the work expected to be completed within two to three months. Public tenders have also been announced for additional infrastructure projects, Akyaka Mayor Ertugrul Toptaş said.

According to Toptaş, once relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are normalized, Turkey expects there will be no further obstacles to reopening the Armenia–Turkey border.

He said that, under the instructions of the Turkish president and with the coordination of the Ministry of Transport, work has already begun to prepare border checkpoints and railway infrastructure for the reopening of the border.

“Construction has begun, and the work is ongoing,” the mayor said, reiterating that the projects are part of preparations for reopening the Armenia–Turkey border.

A tender has also been announced for the construction of a road connecting Akyaka and Gyumri.

“The tender for the road from Akyaka to Gyumri has already been announced, and we expect work there to begin as well. This is part of our governments’ policy to promote good-neighborly and friendly relations,” Toptaş said.

The Akyaka mayor expressed the view that reopening the Armenia–Turkey border would bring economic benefits to both countries. He noted that there are significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, industry and other sectors.