ArmInfo. Direct rail service between Russia and Armenia through Azerbaijan and Georgia is a tangible contribution to peace in the South Caucasus and underscores a shared commitment to cooperation. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told reporters this, according to RIA Novosti.
On Wednesday evening, a grain train arrived in Armenia from Russia for the first time, traveling through Azerbaijan and Georgia.
"We welcome the launch of rail service between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia through the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia. For the first time since the Republic of Armenia gained independence, there is direct rail service between our countries. This event is a real, tangible contribution to peace in the South Caucasus and evidence of our work for regional stability and economic development for all countries in the region," Overchuk stated. He noted that the new route strengthens Russia's transport links with the South Caucasus states, increases accessibility to Armenian markets for goods from other Eurasian Economic Union member states, and improves accessibility to EAEU markets for Armenian producers.
"It is symbolic that the first cargo to travel along this route was Russian grain-one of the most important symbols 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 said.
"I would like to thank my colleagues-Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan-for their joint work to unblock transport links in the South Caucasus region, as well as Georgia for its constructive participation in organizing transportation along this route," the Russian Deputy Prime Minister stated. He noted that the opening of railway service between the Russian Federation and Armenia was a direct consequence of the agreements reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as enshrined in their statements of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021, as well as the efforts of the trilateral Working Group, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, and the Russian Federation.
