The businessmen in Van, Turkey, reacted strongly to the Turkish authorities’ decision to cancel—without even having started—the direct flights between Armenia’s capital city Yerevan and Van.

In connection with this decision, Van Commercial Stock Exchange (VATBO) chief Feridun Irak noted that there are political borders between countries, but the economic borders have disappeared a long time ago, İLKE news agency of Turkey reports.

“I believe there must be trade relations with all countries. We were greatly surprised when we learned that the flights were canceled without having started. We could not understand. We want for our communications and economic cooperation to be open with all of our neighbors. It is indispensable to have economic relations with Armenia, too,” Irak said.   

Stressing that they were happy to hear news about starting the Yerevan-Van flights, Van Tradesmen and Arts & Craftsmen Chamber (VESOB) President Faruk Alpaslan stated that they could not understand why the flights were canceled.