Speaker says some countries interested in acquiring Armenia’s railway management from Russia

Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan, a senior member of the ruling Civil Contract party, indicated on Tuesday that there are countries interested in acquiring the management rights of Armenia’s railways from Russia.

“We are discussing this issue primarily with the Russian side and expect a response as soon as possible. I am confident that there are countries interested and willing to purchase the management rights of Armenia’s railway from Russia. I personally meet with ambassadors from various countries, and naturally, there is interest and discussion on this matter. The question is what the final decision will be,” the Speaker said at a press briefing.

According to Simonyan, no decision has yet been made regarding taking over the management of Armenia’s railway from Russia, and negotiations are ongoing.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan earlier called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network, which is operated by Russia under a concession agreement. Pashinyan specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects—including TRIPP—it would be preferable for another country, particularly one with friendly ties to both Armenia and Russia, to take over management. He argued that some countries might choose not to make shipments through Armenia due to Russian management of the railway system, thereby reducing Armenia’s competitiveness.