It is time for the land border between Armenia and Azerbaijan to be opened: Gevorg Papoyan – RFE/RL

Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told RFE/RL today that the initial price for transiting cargo from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgian railways was considered relatively high and uncompetitive, but discussions are currently ongoing.

“On one side is the Georgian Railway Company, and on the other side are the companies importing grain or gasoline. Naturally, they need to negotiate and find the best option,” the minister said, noting that he is not involved in these issues.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing the issue related to the Georgian railway transit tariff, stated that if the issue is not resolved, business entities will logically seek alternative routes to ensure imports and exports.

Papoyan elaborated on one such alternative today: “In my opinion, it is a very good time for the land border between Armenia and Azerbaijan to be opened. Cargo could arrive by rail to the Armenian border and then be transported by truck via multimodal logistics into Armenia through the land border with Azerbaijan. I believe there are no obstacles preventing this in either Armenia or Azerbaijan. Businesses, in my view, are also ready for it,” the minister emphasized.

Papoyan added that if the Azerbaijani side is ready, this approach could be implemented.