No one can give a clear answer as to when the blockade will be lifted. There will be a time when we will agree and when the relevant document will be signed. At that time, it will be possible to talk about the restoration of the railway, which existed in Soviet times and was operated by Armenians and Azerbaijanis, said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk.
“The opening of this railway is of key importance for Armenia. The economy of the republic is growing very actively; last year it was 12.6%. This is one of the highest economic growth rates in the world, and everyone understands that the reasons for this economic miracle are the entrepreneurial qualities of Armenian entrepreneurs and the possibility of unhindered access to large economies of Russia and other EAEU countries,” said the Deputy Prime Minister during an interview with TASS.
Overchuk emphasized that such an expansion of the economy requires a properly developed transport communication to ensure Armenia's access to world markets, at the same time, Armenia considers Russia as its main market.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Upper Lars road - the only border crossing that connects it with Russia - restrains the development of Armenia’s economy. “The leadership of Armenia strives to implement the unblocking as soon as possible. The leadership of Azerbaijan also has a similar concern, which also strives to get direct and comfortable transport links between the western regions of its country and Nakhijevan as quickly as possible. It is obvious that the railway will continue to Iran and Turkey, which will make it one of the most important transport routes in Eurasia.
However, of course, for the sake of the speed of signing the document, no one will put the safety of people and goods, which have to move that way, in second place. This is a very important point, which does not give an opportunity to answer the question of when the unblocking will take place.”
During the interview, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia also referred to the economic cooperation with Armenia. Overchuk reminded that at the session of the Eurasian Economic Council, as well as at the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Sochi, the Prime Minister of Armenia stated that Russia is Armenia’s main trade partner.
To the journalist’s question when the next meeting of the working group is planned, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia stated that the working group has not developed a clear schedule of meetings in 2.5 years, but the work is carried out almost every day.
