Russia explores fertilizer shipments to Armenia via Azerbaijan, deputy PM says

Russia is considering expanding cargo shipments to Armenia via Azerbaijan beyond grain deliveries to include fertilizers, while also exploring the possibility of establishing return cargo flows, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has said.

Overchuk made the remarks in an interview with the Russia 24 television channel, highlighting what he described as a significant breakthrough in regional transport connectivity, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“An important event has taken place, and we genuinely regard it as significant. In early November, the first train carrying Russian grain transited through the territory of Azerbaijan and Georgia to Armenia. For the first time in more than 30 years—and for the first time during the period of independent existence of Armenia and Azerbaijan—a train transporting grain has passed along this route,” Overchuk said.

He noted that Kazakh grain shipments subsequently followed the same corridor, adding that discussions are underway to expand the range of cargo transported along the route. “We are also discussing the possibility of loading this line with other types of cargo, including fertilizers,” he said.

Overchuk further pointed out that a train carrying petroleum products recently arrived in Armenia from Azerbaijan, underscoring the growing use of the transit corridor. In addition, Moscow and Yerevan are considering the feasibility of shipping goods in the reverse direction.

“This also concerns ensuring return cargo flows from Armenia to Russia through the territory of Azerbaijan. These are developments that, until quite recently, seemed unlikely,” Overchuk added.

By Vafa Guliyeva