Pashinyan warns Georgia over rail tariffs as Azerbaijani fuel heads to Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned Georgia, saying that issues related to Georgian Railway tariffs must either be resolved or Armenian business entities will find alternative routes for imports and exports.

Speaking at a briefing after a government meeting, Pashinyan also confirmed that a train carrying petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia has already departed, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“A train carrying petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia has set off. I welcome this,” he said.

According to Pashinyan, trade is conducted by private companies, and the conditions for it were created by the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Of course, there have also been political agreements, and where there is interest from the business community, deals will be concluded,” the PM noted.

On December 18, the first shipment of Azerbaijani petroleum products departed from Bilajari railway station en route to Armenia.

The freight train, operated by Azerbaijan Railways, is transporting 1,220 tonnes of AI-95 motor petrol loaded into 22 railcars. The consignment is expected to reach Boyuk Kesik station in Azerbaijan’s Aghstafa district later on the evening of December 18.

From Boyuk Kesik, the fuel will continue its journey to Armenia, passing through Georgian territory.

By Jeyhun Aghazada