Turkey and Armenia close to border deal

Armenia and Turkey were a step closer to reopening their border and calling time on nearly a century of hostility, as officials on both sides agreed to sign accords within six weeks. The landlocked neighbours have no diplomatic ties, a closed border and a history of animosity stemming from the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War One.

More than 80 years later, Armenia is eager for a reopening of the border alongside its trading opportunities, while for Turkey improved ties with Armenia is key to its goal of membership in the European Union.

Both sides said they would hold domestic consultations before signing two protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and development of bilateral relations.