Pashinyan says Armenia seeks friendly solution on Russian railway concession

Armenian authorities want to resolve the issue of Russia's concession for Armenian railways, operated by South Caucasus Railway CJSC, with mutual interests taken into account, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a briefing, Report informs, citing Armenian media.

"We want a friendly solution to the railway issue and do not want to take drastic decisions. We must understand each other's interests and make compromises," he said.

According to Pashinyan, there are several possible solutions, one of which is the full or partial sale of the Russian concession.

The prime minister said the problem is not the Russian concession itself, but the risk that Armenia may miss a historic opportunity to integrate into the international transport network.

According to him, potential major users of Armenia's railway infrastructure are not showing investment interest in it and are looking for alternative routes bypassing Armenia.

Pashinyan also commented on relations between Armenia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

"Regarding the EAEU, I said that the essence of the problem is that Russia expects to have exclusive relations, which we do not agree with. One way or another, we must diversify relations. Even if the problems with exports, that is, supplies of goods from Armenia to Russia, are resolved, our agenda will not change," the Armenian prime minister added.

South Caucasus Railway, which operates in Armenia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways.

The company manages Armenia's railway transport system under a concession agreement signed between Russian Railways and Armenia in 2008. The agreement was signed for 30 years, with the right to extend it for another 10 years.