Armenia in talks with Russia over transfer of railway concession, Pashinyan says

Armenia is engaged in talks with Russia regarding the potential transfer of the Armenian railways’ concession management to another country, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated on Thursday.

He was asked at a press briefing to provide an update on the matter.

"Yes, there are discussions at the working level with our partners in the Russian Federation. And regarding this issue, we also see a certain understanding, for which we are grateful, because I repeat — there is nothing in what we say that is directed against Russia. We are simply sharing the objective situation with our partners, explaining that Armenia is simply losing its competitive advantages in this context, and we have no other motivation. I hope that we will be able to reach concrete solutions,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan earlier called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network, which is operated under a concession agreement. Pashinyan specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects 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.