Russia Is Not Conducting Negotiations with Astana or Yerevan, Says Zakharova

Russia is not engaged in negotiations with Armenia regarding the transfer of its railway management to Kazakhstan. This was announced by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova during a briefing on April 1, in response to a question raised on the topic.

Zakharova recalled that on March 30, Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin stated that such discussions are not taking place with either Astana or Yerevan. She pointed out that it is important to consider the minister's statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry representative also emphasized that the concession agreement signed with the South Caucasus Railway company in 2008 is set for 30 years, with the possibility of extending it for another 10 years. According to her, the company has been fulfilling its contractual obligations for many years, and Russian investments in Armenia's railway infrastructure have exceeded 30 billion rubles.

Regarding potential high-level negotiations, Zakharova noted that such matters are typically commented on by the presidential administration of Russia.