Armenian PM welcomes Russia’s eagerness to utilize rail route via Azerbaijan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has welcomed Russia’s eagerness to make use of the railway transit to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

“I welcome the Russian Federation’s active involvement in matters related to the railway. When, after August 8, there were expert opinions suggesting that this was a negative development for Russia or Iran, we said — no, it is not,” Pashinyan said, referring to the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani accords.

“[We said] this decision will contribute to the development and deepening of Armenia–Russia relations. And three months later, we already have concrete progress — 132 wagons,” he said at a press briefing, referring to the Russian announcement of planned freight shipments in coming months. 

“Just imagine how many trucks it would take to carry the load of 132 wagons,” Pashinyan added.

The Prime Minister noted that the ongoing processes fully coincide with the forecasts of the Government of Armenia.