Russian wheat imported to Armenia via Azerbaijan will be tested – regulator (EXCLUSIVE)

YEREVAN, November 6. /ARKA/. The wheat imported into Armenia from Russia through Azerbaijan will be inspected by the Food Safety Inspectorate, the regulator's spokesperson, Anush Harutyunyan, told the ARKA news agency.

Yesterday, a train carrying 15 Russian grain trucks arrived at the Ayrum railway station in Armenia, having traveled through Azerbaijan and Georgia. This is the first shipment of goods to Armenia via Azerbaijan since the early 1990s. Subsequently, the Russian Ministry of Transport announced the planned delivery of an additional 132 trucks of wheat to Armenia by the end of January 2026 via the new rail route through Azerbaijan.

"This is Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) cargo, and regardless of the territory through which it arrives, samples will be taken and sent for phytosanitary inspection, as is usually the case with other similar goods imported into the Republic of Armenia," Harutyunyan noted.

She also stated that cargo transportation takes place between EEU countries, and there are no border controls.

"However, when the cargo arrives at the unloading point, our inspectors take samples and send them for laboratory testing. If any problems are identified, they will be publicly reported," Harutyunyan said.

On October 21, Azerbaijani president had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. Yerevan welcomed the Azerbaijani leader's move, emphasizing its importance for opening regional communications, strengthening mutual trust, and institutionalizing the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.-0-