The permission for a liturgy at Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island in Van appears to match Turkey’s expectations. Zahir Kandasoglu, Chairman of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported that Armenian and Turkish businessmen plan to implement three large-scale investment projects in Van.

Kandasoglu reported that the businessmen plan to borrow €100m from a U.S. bank to found an airline. “At the initial stage, we will purchase two planes for Yerevan-Van flights,” he said.

Kandasoglu said that a representative of Armenia’s tourist industry asked for land to construct a 5-star hotel in Van, which requires U.S. $50m investments. “Our only aim is to create wealth by doing business. The liturgy is one of the occasions. A few days ago I submitted my report on my meetings in Yerevan and opening of the Armenian-Turkish border to Turkish Premier Recep Erdogan. Our term is trade, which is impossible with the border with Armenia closed. Armenia has a serious market, and we cannot leave it unnoticed,” Kandasoglu said.