Ovchuk on Starting Negotiations for the Restoration of Two Sections of the Armenian Railway

Russia and Armenia will begin negotiations regarding the restoration of two sections of the Armenian railways connected to Azerbaijan and Turkey. This was announced to reporters by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Ovchuk.

“In accordance with the request of the Armenian side and based on feelings of friendship and brotherhood towards the Armenian people, the Russian Federation has decided to commence substantive negotiations on the restoration of two sections of the Armenian railways, which will ensure their connection to the railways of the Republic of Azerbaijan near the village of Yeraskh, as well as to the railways of the Republic of Turkey near the village of Akhuryan,” he stated.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the total length of the sections to be restored is approximately 1.6 km and 12.4 km. During the negotiations, it is planned to determine the technical, financial, and other modalities for the implementation of this project.

“We greatly appreciate the trust in Russian experience, knowledge, and technologies that the Armenian side has once again demonstrated by turning to Russia,” Ovchuk continued. “The restoration of these sections will provide the Russian Federation with a direct railway connection to the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan, while also granting Turkey access to the Mediterranean ports and Iran access to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean ports.”

According to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, work is underway in the Caucasus to unblock all disrupted routes, including the possibility of restoring the railway connection between Russia and Georgia through Abkhazia. “Strengthening transport and logistic links in the Caucasus is extremely important for the peace, stability, and economic prosperity of the peoples of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Russia. We hope for constructive cooperation from all countries in the region in addressing this important common issue,” he concluded.