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Armenia will be guided exclusively by its state interests in the possible concession transfer of railway management envisaged under the TRIPP project, Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan said at a briefing with journalists.
Papoyan was asked whether Russia had reacted to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement on the possibility of transferring the railway’s concession management to a third country, and whether discussions had been held with the Russian side on the matter.
“There are countries in the world that maintain very good relations with the United States, Armenia and Russia, and in my opinion, they also have financial resources. The Prime Minister touched upon this mechanism,” Papoyan noted.
The minister stressed that the initiative is not directed against any country.
“This is not against Russia, this is for Armenia. If Russia can make the necessary investments and manage the system in a way that ensures cargo transit through Armenia, bringing political, economic and security benefits to us, we have no problem,” he said.According to Papoyan, Armenia will, in any case, prioritize its own interests.
“When the interests of Armenia and the United States are at stake, we will protect Armenia’s interests. The same applies to Armenia–Russia, Armenia–EU, Armenia–China, Armenia–Iran. We respect everyone, but whenever Armenia’s interests and those of any friend, partner or strategic ally are at stake, our interests will take priority,” he emphasized.
Papoyan also underlined the economic significance of the project for Armenia.“It is very important for us that cargo enters Armenia from Azerbaijan, then exits to Azerbaijan again, re-enters Armenia, and then to Turkey. The interests of the Republic of Armenia require this. Therefore, if negotiations with this or that country are necessary, we must conduct them,” he said.
Asked whether Armenia would be ready to leave management rights to the Russian side if it fully ensured railway operations, Papoyan reiterated that the approach is not aimed against any country.“This is a pro-Armenian approach. If our interests are ensured, it makes no difference to us who manages it,” he said.
“Today, as we see, some of our partners cannot find common ground with each other. In such conditions, we must also try to resolve our issues in some way,” Papoyan concluded.