ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the integration of Armenian railways into international transport corridors at a meeting with a delegation led by Oleg Belozerov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Russian Railways (RZD).
The Armenian government's press service told ArmInfo that Pashinyan emphasized that, given the prospects for unlocking regional transport infrastructure, the main goal is to increase the competitiveness of Armenian railways and integrate them into the rail networks of neighboring countries and the international system.
In this context, the interlocutors discussed the opportunities opening up within the framework of regional processes. In addition, Pashinyan and Belozerov exchanged views on projects for the reconstruction of sections of the Gyumri railway network – Akhurik - the border with Turkey and Yeraskh - Nakhichevan, as well as the prospects that their implementation may open.
"The parties also touched upon the work being carried out within the framework of the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) company on infrastructure development, management efficiency, and discussed existing problems and ways to solve them," the government reported.
According to the source, at the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Armenia and the CEO of Russian Railways agreed to create a joint working group to discuss the tasks set within a short timeframe, find possible solutions, and determine next steps.
As a reminder, SCR CJSC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways OJSC. On February 13, 2008, in Yerevan, Russian Railways OJSC and the Republic of Armenia signed a concession agreement on the transfer of the republic's railway transport system to the management of SCR CJSC. According to the agreement, the concession management term is 30 years with the right to extend for another 10 years after the first twenty years of operation by mutual agreement of the parties. SCR CJSC's objectives include the modernization of the RA railway infrastructure, the development of cooperation with states neighboring Armenia, and the development of domestic and international passenger and freight traffic. The amount of investment carried out by the Company is $572 million. SCR CJSC began its activities on June 1, 2008.
