Russian Deputy PM Highlights Importance of Rail Link with Armenia via Azerbaijan and Georgia

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has hailed the opening of the railway connection between Russia and Armenia, passing through Azerbaijani and Georgian territories, as a "real contribution" to peace.

“We welcome the launch of rail communication between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, which has been carried out through the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia,” TASS news agency quoted Overchuk as saying, The Caspian Post reports.

He noted that since Armenia gained independence, this is the first time a “direct rail connection” has been established between the two countries.

According to Overchuk, this event represents a “real contribution to the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus.” Overchuk said this serves as “evidence of Russia’s work toward regional stability and the economic development of all countries in the region.”

Overchuk emphasized that the new route strengthens Russia’s transport links with the countries of the region, increases the accessibility of Armenian markets for imports from other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, and also expands the Union’s markets to Armenian producers.

“It is symbolic that the first cargo transported on this railway was Russian grain-a universal symbol of life and creation-which once again underscores the shared desire to establish peace in the South Caucasus and move from confrontation to cooperation,” Overchuk added.

He said that the opening of the new railway route is the result of the agreements reached by the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in 2020 and 2021, as well as the efforts of the trilateral working group co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers of the three countries.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues-Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia-for their joint efforts in unblocking transport links in the South Caucasus region, as well as to Georgia for its constructive participation in organizing transport along this route,” the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said.