Alexei Overchuk: Guided by Paragraph 9 of the Statement by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and the President of the Russian Federation dated 10 November 2020, as well as the trilateral statements of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia on 11 January and 26 November 2021, our country has consistently and systematically continued efforts to unblock all economic and transport links in the South Caucasus region.
At the end of 2025, rail traffic between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia resumed for the first time since 1991, passing through the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The launch of direct rail service between the two countries enhanced competitive conditions for promoting Russian goods in foreign markets and strengthened mutual trade among EAEU member states. This development has also laid a foundation to further expand transport connectivity in the region.
At the request of the Armenian side and guided by friendly and fraternal relations with the people of Armenia, the Russian Federation has decided to begin substantive negotiations on the restoration of two sections of the Armenian railway. These sections will reconnect with the railways of the Republic of Azerbaijan near Yeraskh and the railways of the Republic of Türkiye near Akhuryan. The total length of the railway segments to be restored is approximately 1.6 km and 12.4 km. The negotiations will address the technical, financial, and other arrangements necessary for implementing the project. We highly value the trust placed in Russian experience, expertise, and technology, as demonstrated by the Armenian side in turning once again to Russia for assistance.
The restoration of these railway sections will give the Russian Federation direct rail access to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, to Türkiye with connections to Mediterranean ports, and to Iran with access to ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. To meet this significant challenge, efforts are underway to reopen all disrupted transport routes in the Caucasus, including a prossible restoration of rail service between the Russian Federation and Georgia via Abkhazia.
Enhancing transport and logistics connectivity in the Caucasus is of vital importance for promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity for the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Türkiye, and Russia. We rely on constructive cooperation among all regional states to achieve this significant common goal.
