Zakharova on Armenia-Azerbaijan railway link: Substantive discussions continue on trilateral working group

I can say that everything related to railway communication, the initiatives that follow the results of the meetings in Brussels, develop the trilateral agreements reached between the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan on November 26 this year. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zakharova, commenting on the recent statements by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in this matter.

"Substantive discussions continue on the trilateral working group co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers of the three countries. I would also like to remind that within the framework of this mechanism, a wide range of issues is being discussed on the unblocking transport and economic ties in the South Caucasus—including the restoration of both railway and transport links in the region. As agreed by the heads of state, we are working towards the immediate launch of specific transport projects

As for the statements that are being made, they should all have the same goal that we are talking about. It cannot be said that we do not specify the problems. We not only specify them, but also work on them; but, nevertheless, it is important to create an appropriate atmosphere. We all see, realize it in separate and collective conversation, etc. In the information sector we must clearly show that there are positive sides, too, and not make the problematic issues fundamental," Zakharova said.

Earlier, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev had stated that the checkpoint procedures in the "Zangezur" and Lachin corridors between Azerbaijan and Armenia should coincide.

In response, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Azerbaijan was attempting to lead the matter of opening of regional communications to a deadlock.