Armenia seeks railway management solution to realize transit potential — Mirzoyan
01.09.2026,
11:25
Armenia will find a solution to the issue of concession management of the republic's railway network in a way that will allow it to realize its transit potential without infringing on the interests of its Russian partners, stated RA Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan.
YEREVAN, September 1. /ARKA/. Armenia will find a solution to the issue of concession management of the republic's railway network in a way that will allow it to realize its transit potential without infringing on the interests of its Russian partners, stated RA Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan.
"A solution will be found that will benefit us and not offend our friends," Mirzoyan said in an interview with Public Television.
According to him, the unblocking of regional communications presents a historic opportunity for Armenia to become a key link in transportation between East and West, and the country does not intend to miss this opportunity.
At the same time, the minister noted that for some interested parties, the fact that Armenia's railway network is under concession management by the Russian side is an obstacle.
"While our railway network is under Russian concessionary management, they (potential partners) say they can't use it, and this means we're missing out on this historic opportunity. This isn't just another opportunity or another business deal. This is a historic opportunity that we won't miss," Mirzoyan stated.
He also pointed to the need for a major modernization of the railway network and rolling stock. According to him, this issue has been discussed with Russia, but Russian partners apparently don't yet plan to make large-scale investments.
In this regard, Yerevan proposed that Moscow consider selling the concession rights to a third party acceptable to both countries.
"We respect [Russia's] interests and don't want to trample on them, but a solution must be found. Therefore, we propose selling their rights to a third party acceptable to both of us, for example, Kazakhstan," the minister said.
According to Mirzoyan, the Russian side's initial reaction to this proposal was "rather cool," but in recent days there have been indications of a willingness to discuss it.
Regarding the TRIPP project, the minister stated that it requires the construction of the Gyumri-Kars and Yeraskh railway sections. Since Armenia's entire railway network is under the concession management of South Caucasus Railways CJSC, the issue of investment in the construction of these sections should also be discussed with the concessionaire.
"We want these sections to be built as soon as possible. In recent days, there has been a signal that they are ready to discuss them. Our agencies will discuss them," Mirzoyan said.
"A solution will be found that will benefit us and not offend our friends," Mirzoyan said in an interview with Public Television.
According to him, the unblocking of regional communications presents a historic opportunity for Armenia to become a key link in transportation between East and West, and the country does not intend to miss this opportunity.
At the same time, the minister noted that for some interested parties, the fact that Armenia's railway network is under concession management by the Russian side is an obstacle.
"While our railway network is under Russian concessionary management, they (potential partners) say they can't use it, and this means we're missing out on this historic opportunity. This isn't just another opportunity or another business deal. This is a historic opportunity that we won't miss," Mirzoyan stated.
He also pointed to the need for a major modernization of the railway network and rolling stock. According to him, this issue has been discussed with Russia, but Russian partners apparently don't yet plan to make large-scale investments.
In this regard, Yerevan proposed that Moscow consider selling the concession rights to a third party acceptable to both countries.
"We respect [Russia's] interests and don't want to trample on them, but a solution must be found. Therefore, we propose selling their rights to a third party acceptable to both of us, for example, Kazakhstan," the minister said.
According to Mirzoyan, the Russian side's initial reaction to this proposal was "rather cool," but in recent days there have been indications of a willingness to discuss it.
Regarding the TRIPP project, the minister stated that it requires the construction of the Gyumri-Kars and Yeraskh railway sections. Since Armenia's entire railway network is under the concession management of South Caucasus Railways CJSC, the issue of investment in the construction of these sections should also be discussed with the concessionaire.
"We want these sections to be built as soon as possible. In recent days, there has been a signal that they are ready to discuss them. Our agencies will discuss them," Mirzoyan said.
