“I am sure and believe that the relationship between Armenia and Turkey must be built on cooperation from person to person and from business to business”,- says Turkish businessman Akif Ishik. He was the only representative of Turkey during the regional conference of American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Armenia. We had a conversation with Akif Ishik concerning the development of relations between Armenia and Turkey.
– Mr Ishik, what do you think about relations and cooperation between Armenia and Turkey?
– Political conflicts will never give a chance for our countries to start official dialogues. But I am sure that Armenian and Turkish businessmen can implement different programs and do business together. They can make investments and generally cooperate.
– Don’t you think that the incidents in our history will prevent us from cooperation?
– We shouldn’t forget that the Turks and Armenians were very close with each other for almost nine centuries. They carried out the war against Byzantine together. We must remember this. Of course it is impossible to deny some events at the beginning of this century, but please understand us too, because our histories differ much. I understand both the approach of Diasporan Armenians and the approach of Armenians living in Armenia. But I think that it is time to leave sensitive thinking aside, think logically and do our best for the wealth of our nations.
– What kind of benefits will Armenia get after opening the border with Turkey?
– In case of opening the border both Turkey and Armenia will get benefits. The eastern part of Turkey is less developed than the western part. Business relations will be good for both our countries, and they both will develop. Business with Armenia will support the Turkish economic development. Turkey can import energy resources from Armenia. For instance I think we can cooperate in travel business and realize tourism programs together, thus attract tourists to our countries. Armenia will benefit much from trade relations with Turkey.
– You represent Turkey officially at the conference. Did you have any problems in Turkey in connection with your visit to Armenia?
– Sure I did. A lot of people advised me not to visit Armenia. Also a powerful person in Turkey advised me not to accept this invitation. One of the reasons was that the representative of the Armenian AmCham didn’t visit Turkey officially five years ago. He visited Turkey individually, but didn’t accept our invitation officially.
– Why are you kind to Armenians? What is the reason for your generosity?
– Please note that almost all Turkish people are kind to Armenians. The members of my family and I have a lot of Armenian friends. I’d like to tell a story which impressed me much. Many years ago my father had a heart attack. My sister couldn’t help him and asked our Armenian neighbour to help my father. Our Armenian neighbour took my father on his shoulders, carried him to the elevator and then took him to the hospital. He saved my father’s life. Now our families are friends.