PM: Armenian rail link restoration poised to boost ties with Russia and Iran

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia will regain a railway connection with Russia, something it has lacked for 30 years.

This statement followed the signing of a trilateral declaration with the US and Azerbaijan in Washington, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Addressing concerns about whether opening the Syunik (Zangezur - ed.) corridor might conflict with Russia’s and Iran’s logistical interests or diminish China’s role in Asia-Europe trade, Pashinyan explained that Armenia’s railway links to Russia will come not only through Syunik but also via alternative routes, such as through Georgia.

He noted that Armenian Railways is operated by the Russian company South Caucasus Railway, which might invest in restoring the railway line from Hrazdan to Ijevan and Gazakh, pending Azerbaijan’s approval.

Pashinyan also highlighted that Armenia is gaining a rail connection with Iran—a new development—and access to Central Asian countries via ferry. He pointed out that China is gaining a new westward trade route that it didn’t previously have.

Regarding concerns over Russia’s and Iran’s interests, Pashinyan suggested a different perspective, noting the potential for enhanced economic cooperation between Iran and the US, or Russia and the US. He recalled that an Iranian company is involved in building the North-South railway.

“We will soon start construction of the railway section in Meghri, which could open new cooperation opportunities. There’s also the possibility to utilize the Yeraskh-Akhurik railway, connecting the border with Nakhchivan to Türkiye. This project might bring unexpected yet positive outcomes and justify the idea of Armenia as the ‘Crossroads of Peace’,” the prime minister concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova