Issue of cargo transportation to Russia to be discussed at EAEU meeting on Oct. 24, says Gevorg Papoyan

Armenia’s Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan addressed the concerns raised by Armenian drivers transporting cargo to Russia. He noted that the Armenian government has officially appealed to the Russian government, proposing that the 90-day limit established under Russian domestic law be extended to 180 days.

Papoyan stated that there has been a positive response from Russian counterparts, who shared this concern. According to him, the legislative initiative aimed at resolving the issue is already in the internal circulation phase․

When asked why action is only being taken now, the Minister explained that they began working on the issue when the Russian law came into effect, sending the first official letter, followed by negotiations. They then received feedback indicating that a draft aimed at resolving the problem is being prepared.

He announced that the issue will be discussed on Oct․ 24 at the EAEU meeting, and results should be awaited. Papoyan could not specify when the new law would be adopted. “The most important thing is that we raised the issue, and the other side understood that they were putting us in an unsolvable situation, because with a 90-day limit, our drivers can only stay in Lars for part of the year,” the minister said.

Armenian drivers transporting cargo to Russia recently held protests near the Government building, demanding a solution to the problem. According to the new law adopted in Russia, drivers are allowed to spend only 90 days in Russia instead of the previous 180 days.