"This is our property": Pashinyan on the concession management of the Armenian Railways
17.09.2026,
19:07
Armenia and Russia continue discussions on the concession management of the Armenian Railways, stated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
YEREVAN, September 17. /ARKA/. Armenia and Russia continue discussions on the concession management of the Armenian Railways, stated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"The situation has not changed; discussions are ongoing. This is a very sensitive issue. This is our property, and we should be able to manage it as we wish," Pashinyan told reporters on Thursday.
According to him, the Armenian side is not setting a timeframe for resolving this issue.
"We are discussing this issue in conjunction with other matters. We are working to resolve this problem as quickly and amicably as possible," the Prime Minister said.
Regarding Railway Concession Management
In May 2026, Pashinyan stated the need to change the logic of concession management for Armenia's railways so that sanctions-related restrictions do not hinder the development of the country's railway system.
Previously, the Prime Minister also stated that Russian concession management deprives Armenia of certain competitive advantages. As one option, he proposed transferring concession management of the railway to a third country friendly to both Armenia and Russia.
On September 3, Pashinyan announced that, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an understanding had emerged regarding the need to find a solution to the issue of concession management for the Armenian railways.
Concession management of the Armenian railway system is carried out by the South Caucasus Railway company. The Russian side had previously stated that it did not consider transferring concession management to a third country advisable.
"The situation has not changed; discussions are ongoing. This is a very sensitive issue. This is our property, and we should be able to manage it as we wish," Pashinyan told reporters on Thursday.
According to him, the Armenian side is not setting a timeframe for resolving this issue.
"We are discussing this issue in conjunction with other matters. We are working to resolve this problem as quickly and amicably as possible," the Prime Minister said.
Regarding Railway Concession Management
In May 2026, Pashinyan stated the need to change the logic of concession management for Armenia's railways so that sanctions-related restrictions do not hinder the development of the country's railway system.
Previously, the Prime Minister also stated that Russian concession management deprives Armenia of certain competitive advantages. As one option, he proposed transferring concession management of the railway to a third country friendly to both Armenia and Russia.
On September 3, Pashinyan announced that, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an understanding had emerged regarding the need to find a solution to the issue of concession management for the Armenian railways.
Concession management of the Armenian railway system is carried out by the South Caucasus Railway company. The Russian side had previously stated that it did not consider transferring concession management to a third country advisable.
