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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that the first batch of Azerbaijani petroleum is on its way to Armenia via rail through Georgia.
The gasoline has been bought by a private company.
Asked to comment on the report, which was first published by Azeri media earlier today, Pashinyan said, “I also saw that a train carrying oil products from Azerbaijan has already started moving and is heading to Armenia. I welcome this development. The trade is taking place between private companies. But, of course, it is the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan that has created the political conditions for this trade,” said the Prime Minister.
According to him, there have also been agreements at the political level, the details of which will be communicated to the business circles of both countries. If there is sufficient interest, deals will be made.
Pashinyan confirmed that only one train loaded with Azerbaijani oil products is currently on its way to Armenia.
Regarding the likelihood of continuing cooperation with Azerbaijan in this direction, the Prime Minister noted that there are certain issues related to tariffs for transit through Georgian territory. He expressed hope that these matters would be resolved.
“If these issues are not resolved, I hope that businesses will seek alternative ways to ensure imports and exports, should these deals continue to be of interest,” said Pashinyan.
The shipment comes after earlier reports from Azerbaijani news outlets stating that the supply of Azerbaijani petroleum to Armenia via Georgia had been obstructed due to a tariff policy pursued by Tbilisi. Armenian authorities confirmed on December 8 that discussions were held with their Georgian counterparts regarding the possible transit of Azerbaijani fuel.
Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, had earlier stated that Tbilisi takes into account the interests of both Armenia and Azerbaijan in talks on cargo transit via his country.
The Azerbaijani APA news agency reported that 22 railcars of AI-95 gasoline produced by SOCAR will be sent to Armenia via rail today.