Semafor: Armenia underlines its commitment to the TRIPP project, while seeking to maintain ties with Russia and Iran

ArmInfo. Armenia emphasizes its commitment to the transit and energy corridor known as the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), while also seeking to maintain ties with Russia and Iran. This was stated by Armenian Ambassador to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan in an interview with the American publication Semafor.

Speaking about the project itself, the ambassador noted that Armenia is satisfied with the US government's 74% stake in the company, as it views it as a critical element of the peace agreement signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan with the participation of US President Donald Trump last year. Overall, he noted, TRIPP is moving forward. Specifically, the ambassador noted, a feasibility study will be prepared later this year, and the groundbreaking could take place as early as early next year. "Without TRIPP, discussing peace as a whole would be impossible," Mkrtchyan added.

Returning to Armenia's attempts to maintain relations with both Iran and the United States, Mkrtchyan acknowledged the difficulty but noted that this is a conscious choice on the part of the country. Moreover, he said, the United States has not yet raised the issue of severing economic or other ties with Iran with Armenia, as it has with other countries. However, when asked what Armenia would do if such a request were made, the Armenian Ambassador to the United States noted that "everything can be discussed."

Regarding Russia, Mkrtchyan denied claims that Armenia is distancing itself from the United States by promoting TRIPP and a number of other agreements, although he acknowledged that this desire (rapprochement with the United States - ed.) has caused some concern on the Russian side. "This is not against Russia. This is not against third countries." "We are pleased that we now have such a key partner as the United States as part of our diversification policy. We are also diversifying our policy in relations with the EU," Mkrtchyan stated.

According to him, Armenia is also considering TRIPP in the context of normalizing relations with Turkey. Since, as the ambassador recalled, one of the goals is to open the border with Turkey, which was closed in 1993. "We are very close to normalizing and opening the borders," Mkrtchyan assured.

As a reminder, on January 14, the Armenian Foreign Ministry published the framework document signed with the American side in Washington for the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project is a 42-kilometer stretch of road through southern Armenia. The 12-page document outlines the project's main objectives and operating mechanisms. Among other things, the document emphasizes Armenia's intention to authorize and support the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company. The company is expected to be responsible for developing the TRIPP project, receiving an initial development right for a period of 49 years. Armenia intends to offer the United States a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company, while retaining 26%. This partnership is expected to be extended for an additional 50 years, with an additional ownership stake granted to the Armenian government, bringing its stake to 49%.