Official: Armenia to prioritise national interests in regional rail talks

Armenia will only support regional transport initiatives that clearly advance its own national interests, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said on February 14, emphasising that Yerevan will not compromise its political, economic, or security priorities for the benefit of any foreign partner.

Speaking to journalists at the office of the ruling Civil Contract party, Papoyan stated that if Russia were to invest in and support a transport system that allows cargo to transit through Armenia in a way that delivers tangible political, economic, and security benefits to the country, then Yerevan would not object to such an arrangement, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media. 

However, he stressed that Armenia could not “sacrifice its interests” for the sake of another country under any circumstances. According to the minister, whenever Armenia’s interests intersect with those of partners such as the United States, Russia, or China, the government’s position would remain consistent: Armenia’s national interests would take precedence. 

While underscoring that Armenia “loves and respects” its friends, partners, and strategic allies, Papoyan said that in any situation where interests diverge, Yerevan would prioritise its own.

His remarks come a day after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan suggested that it could be beneficial if a country that maintains friendly relations with both Armenia and Russia were to assume control of the railway in question.

By Sabina Mammadli