We Have Reached a Principled Agreement with Aliyev on Railway Communication, Prime Minister

On November 26, during meetings facilitated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi and European Council President Charles Michel in Brussels on December 14, an opportunity has arisen for an agreement with Azerbaijan regarding the restoration of automobile communication, stated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the 11th session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia.

As for the restoration of railway communication, according to Pashinyan, a principled agreement has already been reached with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"The discussion is about the restoration of the railway from Yeraskh-Julfa-Orduabad-Meghri-Horadiz, and we hope to complete this work within the next 2-3 years. Of course, we need to ensure that our agreements are recorded clearly. I also want to sincerely say that some experts express the opinion that this project may not be beneficial for Georgia, referring to the opening of railway communication. I must categorically disagree with this stance because if the railway connecting Armenia, Nakhchivan, and the Islamic Republic of Iran opens through Julfa, we will have the most efficient and optimal railway communication from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. This railway will pass through the territories of Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, becoming a crucial factor for not only economic development but also regional security," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that this year, direct regular flights and passenger transfers between Armenia and Georgia have seen an increase, and freight transport has also grown. "We will continue to make additional efforts in these areas to ensure sustained growth. In this context, I want to emphasize once again the opportunity for expanding railway transport cooperation, which will further increase passenger and freight transfers through this route.

Armenia and Georgia have significant experience in cooperation in the energy sector. Georgia, as a transit country, plays a major role in ensuring reliable and secure energy resource supply to Armenia. I would like to inform you that the Armenian side is ready to support the development and signing of all technical annexes of the existing construction agreement for the Armenia-Georgia high voltage power line, as well as the start of construction works for new networks and a stable current converter station in northern Armenia," Pashinyan added.