In an interview with Tert.am, the head of the Yerevan State University’s Iranian Studies Chair commented upon the perspectives and importance of the Iran-Armenia railway project.Garnik Asatryan particularly highlighted the political and economic advantages for both countries, as well as the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. “Armenia will go into the big economic movements and gain an increased geopolitical significance in the region,” he noted.
Asatryan said he finds the new railway communication plan absolutely feasible, adding that financial resources will be no problem at all in case the sides demonstrate the necessary willingness. “That doesn’t depend on just one individual or the authorities; there are problems that require also favorable conditions. I think that this project, which has been so many times discussed and will keep being discussed still more, has big chances of becoming real,” he added.
The orientalist further stressed the importance of economic conditions. He said that the high geographic landscape would require several years’ work to complete the project.
In his speech at the joint summit of the BRICS, EEU and SCO leaders in Ufa (Russia), Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said he believes the construction of the Iran-Armenia highway will open a route to the Indian Ocean for the EEU member states.
Asatryan said he thinks that the project will raise the advantages of not only Armenia but also Iran. “The Persian Gulf will thus have a direct communication route with Russia. [The project], if realized, will really be advantageous to Armenia,” he added.