Lavrov: Russia is not opposed to the coexistence of transport corridors in Eurasia

Russia is not opposed to the coexistence of various transport corridors in Eurasia along North-South and East-West lines, provided they do not create obstacles for each other, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters after the meeting of the CIS Foreign Ministers’ Council.

Regarding the prospects for implementing the Trans-Caspian international transport route, which is intended to connect China with Europe via the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and the Caucasus countries, the head of the foreign policy department noted that this project is much more expensive than, for example, the North-South international transport corridor. Moreover, according to him, none of those whom the EU wishes to involve in its programs have yet seen the promised €10 billion for implementation.

“The North-South international transport corridor is a much more advanced project and much more efficient, both in terms of its full operation and usage,” Lavrov said.

He noted that in this project’s context and parallel to it, routes are being developed that reach the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and the ports of Iran and India from Russia’s north.