Baku, Azerbaijan. The process for launching charter flights between Azerbaijan and the north is at an advanced stage, Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel said on Saturday. He said cooperation agreements under discussion could allow services to begin in the near future.
Progress in talks
Speaking in Baku, Ustel said contacts with the Azerbaijani government had progressed significantly and that both sides were close to formalising arrangements intended to strengthen links between Azerbaijan and the north.
He said regular charter flights could commence once the relevant agreements were signed.
Areas of cooperation
According to Ustel, the proposed air connection is intended to expand cooperation in tourism, trade and higher education.
He said improved transport links would increase visitor numbers and facilitate closer economic and cultural ties.
Remarks at cultural event
The comments were made during a cultural event in the Azerbaijani capital attended by officials from Azerbaijan, Turkey and the north.
Ustel praised relations between the parties and expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for what he described as continued support.
Organization of Turkic States
Ustel also referred to the recent participation of representatives of the north in meetings connected to the Organization of Turkic States, where the north holds observer status.
He described recent engagement within the organisation as a significant step toward expanding cooperation with Turkic-speaking states.