The interests of Moscow and Yerevan coincide in unblocking transport routes in the South Caucasus, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said in an interview with TASS.

“For Moscow, the Meghri route [in Armenia’s southernmost point] is an opportunity to improve transport links with another EAEU member state, Armenia, as well as to improve access to the markets of Iran and Turkey. For Tehran, it is a competitive route and a threat from the US. For Ankara, it is the most convenient access to Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia,” the Russian deputy PM said.

“For Yerevan, the Meghri section is an opportunity to unblock the country [i.e. Armenia], realize the advantages of its geographical position, and give an additional impetus to economic development. Our [i.e. Russia’s] interests and those of Armenia coincide in this matter," Overchuk added.