Turkey, Iran open third border crossing

Turkey and Iran have opened a third border crossing at Kapikoy in Van, eastern Turkey, in what the foreign ministers of both countries called a symbol of friendship amid increased regional cooperation efforts. "Our prime minister has set a target of $30 billion in annual trade with Iran. That is why we are opening this border crossing," Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Saturday. "We are announcing to the world that Turkey and Iran will always be friends." Iranian media quoted Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi as saying, "This border is a symbol of peace and friendship and the resurrection of the Silk Road, which for centuries played an important role in making the economy of the region flourish. It also will help the development of the border area and welfare of its residents."