Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has said there are no “objective reasons” to sell the management rights of Armenian railways—currently held by Russia—to another country.

“It is obvious to us that there is no objective reason for selling the concession agreement of the South Caucasian Railways to a third country,” Overchuk told TASS news agency.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network, which operates under a concession agreement. He specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects, it would be preferable for another country—particularly one with friendly ties to both Armenia and Russia—to take over management. He argued that some countries might choose not to make shipments through Armenia due to Russian management of the railway system, thereby reducing Armenia’s competitiveness.

Earlier in March, reports emerged about ongoing talks regarding a potential Kazakh takeover of the management rights. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, at a press briefing on April 1, said that Russia is not negotiating on the matter with either Armenia or Kazakhstan.