Russia begins shipping wheat to Armenia by rail through Azerbaijan

Russia is transporting wheat to Armenia by rail through Azerbaijan, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced.

“Dear compatriots, I have more good news about the unblocking. At this moment, wheat of Russian origin is being transported by rail from the Russian Federation to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan. I would also like to note that wheat of Kazakh origin is also on its way and will arrive in Armenia in the coming days — again through the territory of Azerbaijan,” Papoyan said in a statement.

Earlier in October, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that his country had lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia. The first shipment under the new arrangement was a consignment of Kazakh wheat, a move welcomed by Prime Minister Pashinyan. The cargo is expected to reach Armenia via the railway route. In response to the lifting of the restrictions, Armenia also removed its own restrictions.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, commenting on Aliyev’s statement, said that Russia is considering ways to take advantage of the new logistical opportunity.