YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. There still exits a hope of regulation of the relations between Turkey and Armenia. This was mentioned in President Abdullah Gül’s address at Harvard Kennedy School, who was there to attend his son's graduation ceremony. As reports "Armenpress", this was informed by the Turkish "Anadolu" agency.

Referring to the Armenian- Turkish relations, he emphasized that they approach neighboring Armenia sincerely and open-heartedly. As a proof to this he reminded that he was the first ever Turkish President to pay a historic visit to Armenia in 2008 upon a kind invitation by President Sargsyan.  “There is still hope to normalize Turkish-Armenian relations”, underscored Abdullah Gül.

Referring to the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide he reminded of the Prime Minister Erdoğan’s message last month paying condolences to the grandchildren of the Armenians who lost their lives in 1915. “The year 1915 is indeed the most painful and mournful year in the history of Anatolia. This is so for all the peoples of Anatolia and for many reasons. The tragedies of the First World War reflect our shared pain. To evaluate this period through a perspective of just memory is a humane and scholarly responsibility. To this end, we opened our archives to all researchers. Achieving progress is not an easy task. Strong reciprocal will, joint efforts and a good measure of mutual

understanding are absolutely necessary”, said the Turkish President Abdullah Gül.

Upon Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's invitation on September 6, 2008, the Turkish President Abdullah Gül conducted a non-official visit to Yerevan. The Heads of the two states attended the Armenia vs. Turkey football match. A basis of "football diplomacy" was laid, which later developed into intention of regulation of the relations. On October 10, 2009, even two Armenian-Turkish Protocols were signed which, however, Turkey had refused to ratify, bearing the full responsibility for the cooling of the process.