We are surprised by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s proposal to sell the railway concession to Armenia.

Axar.az reports that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the remarks during an interview with RBC TV.

“If Armenia is concerned about these issues, it can discuss them with Russia as a partner. Instead, it is openly stated that the railway allegedly belongs to them and that we owe Armenia $2 billion. Naturally, such statements provoke an emotional reaction among Russian citizens, in addition to economic calculations. I am no exception. The vice premiers of Russia and Armenia maintain regular contacts, and all issues of interest to Yerevan, including the situation regarding the South Caucasus Railway under Russia’s concession, can be discussed,” he said.

It should be noted that Armenia’s railway infrastructure was transferred to the concession management of Russia’s South Caucasus Railway in 2008 for a period of 30 years, with the option to extend the agreement for another 10 years.