Russia criticizes South Caucasus transport projects

Transport projects in the South Caucasus that bypass Russia and Iran are inherently unprofitable and aim to undermine cooperation between the countries of the region.

1news.media reports that this claim was made by Dmitry Litskaya, advisor to the Russian ambassador to Armenia.

The Russian diplomat said that the issue of creating transport corridors in the region (meaning the "Trump Road" or the Zangezur corridor - ed..) is being actively discussed, and the main factor here is the logistical costs and profitability of the routes:

"The routes promoted by Western partners bypass Russia and Iran; these projects are based more on geopolitics than on economics. On the other hand, the recent experience of cargo transportation from Kazakhstan (via Azerbaijan) to Armenia shows that the countries of the region can build their own routes if there is political will."

Litskaya noted about the 3+3 platform that this format does not exclude cooperation with foreign powers if they come to the region with constructive ideas: "The first meeting in Moscow showed that the format is relevant."

According to the diplomat, Russia is waiting for new meetings, taking into account the need to discuss the processes in the region. It was noted that the next meeting should take place in Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the choice of venue is left to the partners' decision.