Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is not going to discuss “behind Russia’s back” the issue of potentially transferring railway management rights to another country.

Pashinyan was asked at a press briefing whether Armenia plans to discuss the matter with the Kazakh Foreign Minister and Transport Minister, who are currently visiting Armenia, despite Russia previously stating that it sees no grounds for selling its management rights.

“We do not intend to do anything behind Russia’s back. At this stage, as long as the opportunities for dialogue remain broad and open, we will continue our work,” Pashinyan added.

Pashinyan had 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.

Pashinyan also said that the matter was discussed during his April 1 visit to Russia.

In March, reports emerged about ongoing talks regarding a potential Kazakh takeover of the management rights. At the time, Prime Minister Pashinyan did not rule out the possibility of a Kazakh company taking over the concession agreement of the Armenian railways from Russia, but noted that the talks were still ongoing.

However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said there are no “objective reasons” to sell the management rights.