Repair works on the railway in eastern Turkey have reached Kars, while the branch extending to the border with Armenia will be completed by the end of this year, Turkish railway official said.

According to IHA Turkish news agency, representative of the Erzrum regional railways noted that repair works began in May and are quickly moving forward.

Several months ago, Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development MP Ahmet Arslan said the works do not suppose opening of the border with Armenia until some issues remain unsettled. He, just like the local residents, wants for the border to open so that mutual trade may develop, Arslan said.