Zakharyova: It Seems They Have Forgotten In Yerevan That Russia Has Made Significant Investments

Russia reaffirms its commitment to managing the Armenian railway and investing in its infrastructure, stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"These are strange statements; they are unlikely to be acceptable. Russia consistently defends the unblocking of all regional transport and economic communications," she said.

According to her, significant work has been done within the framework of the trilateral working group co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to achieve this.

"The South Caucasian railway network has been managed by South Caucasian Railways LLC for more than 20 years. During this period, the Russian company has not only consistently fulfilled all the conditions of the concession agreement but has also made significant investments in infrastructure and rolling stock – something that they have probably forgotten in Yerevan. This has ensured a large number of jobs, which should also be considered by those in Armenia who want to voice this issue," Zakharova noted.

She emphasized that the Russian operator is a structure that does not deprive the republic of competitive advantages but rather creates them.

"At Yerevan's request, our Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has clearly expressed our position on the restoration of two segments of the railway connecting Armenia with Turkey and Azerbaijan. We will maintain this position," Zakharova stressed.

It is noted that Overchuk announced that the total length of the railway segments to be restored is approximately 1.6 km and 12.4 km, with the technical, financial, and other modalities for this project's implementation expected to be determined in negotiations between Yerevan and Moscow.