On April 1st, Maria Sacharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Moscow was not engaged in discussions with Astana or Yerevan concerning the transfer of the railway operation concession to Kazakhstan. She made this declaration during a press conference. Sacharova referenced statements made by Russian Minister of Transport, Andrei Nikitin, on March 30th, highlighting the significance of expert evaluations.
“It is very important to consider what was determined at the expert level – specifically, at the level of the appropriate authority… this expert assessment,” she clarified. She underscored that the 2008 concession agreement for the South Caucasus railway possessed a duration of 30 years, with an option for renewal. The Ministry’s stance remained firm regarding the operation of the railway concession about Kazakhstan.
Sacharova reiterated the need to factor in expert opinions, emphasizing the importance of considering the conclusions reached by the relevant authorities in this matter. This approach reflects a cautious strategy regarding the future of the railway’s operation and its relationship with Kazakhstan.
Topics: #about #concession #kazakhstan
