Turkey and Armenia are cooperating to reconstruct a 10th-century bridge on the Akhurian River (originates in Armenia, flows along the border with Turkey, forming part of the geographic border between the states, until it flows into the Aras River as a left tributary), despite the faltering of the process of political reconciliation between the two countries.

“The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), initiated the effort to reconstruct the bridge, which is on the historic Silk Road. The project is supported by both Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Yerevan administration, and is said to be looked upon favorably by members of the Armenian diaspora as well.

Built by the Armenian Kingdom, the defunct bridge connotes the lack of economic and political ties between the two countries, but its reconstruction could symbolize a new era in bilateral relations,” the daily says.

“It is important to strengthen the momentum. The positive impact of the political reconciliation on society should be reinforced. Symbolic steps will give visibility to the political will,” the source quotes one of the TEPAV officials.