Armenia to receive Azerbaijani fuel shipment via Georgia without transit fee

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has confirmed that a one-off transit shipment of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia will not be subject to transit fees.

Speaking to the Armenian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Papoyan said the Georgian authorities had assured him that no charges would be applied for this initial delivery.

"Since the Georgian side has stated this, I can confirm that they informed me directly. For the first shipment, no fees will be applied. Naturally, transit charges will apply for subsequent deliveries," he said.

Papoyan described the move as a gesture by Georgia in the context of the ongoing peace process in the region.

By decision of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways has been instructed to immediately carry out the rail transportation of this cargo free of charge. Officials have been notified of this decision.

By Aghakazim Guliyev