11:51 - 17.04.2023

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April 17, Fineko/abc.az. "The issue of opening of land borders is one of the most discussed at the moment. The closure of land borders in Azerbaijan directly related to the pandemic. However, the main restrictions related to the quarantine regime have already been lifted. Therefore, it would be advisable for the operational headquarters to make a decision on the gradual opening of land borders from next month, in particular, in accordance with the epidemiological situation in neighboring countries. The epidemiological situation in most countries of the region, including fraternal Turkey and neighboring Georgia, is under control. The land borders with Turkey are already open, but only our citizens registered in Nakhchivan can go," ABC.AZ reports, quoting MP Vugar Bayramov.

He said that it is proposed to make a decision on the gradual full opening of the land borders with Georgia and Turkey:

"Naturally, the issue of opening of borders with these countries in accordance with the epidemiological situation in other neighboring countries can be discussed later. However, given Azerbaijan's strategic cooperation with Turkey and Georgia, as well as the number of infections, it would be advisable to gradually open land borders with both countries in a shorter time. Naturally, from economic angle, it is advisable to have open land borders. As this is one of the main factors affecting tourism. Especially considering that about 70% of tourists coming to Azerbaijan come from countries that have land borders with Azerbaijan. It is also important from angle of the possibility of easier visits to neighboring countries for Azerbaijani citizens. Therefore, the opening of land borders is also of economic importance. The mitigation of the epidemiological situation in the region and around the world in 2023 has made the opening of land borders in Azerbaijan even more actual."