US Ambassador: Caucasus has long been an obstacle to TRIPP implementation

ArmInfo. The Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a project that, according to the US vision, will connect West with East, North with South, and ultimately Central Asia with Europe. This was stated by US Ambassador to Armenia Christina Kvien in an interview with CivilNet.

She added that, from this perspective, the Caucasus has long been an obstacle to the project's implementation for various geopolitical reasons. The diplomat stated that the transit route, which will run from Nakhichevan to Gyumri and then to Kars, will create a connection between West and East. According to her, Armenia will benefit most from this route, as its eastern and western borders have been closed for three decades.

When asked how TRIPP implementation will be coordinated with Turkey, Kvien emphasized that, for now, the project's focus is entirely on rail links, but the goal is to make the project multifunctional, which also includes other projects. According to her, there are a number of ideas within the framework. This project. "These ideas haven't been formalized yet; I believe that will happen when we establish our joint venture and they can begin discussions. But you're right, Turkey plays a huge role in all of this. And I'm encouraged by the progress that has been made in Armenian-Turkish relations in recent years," she said, adding that the US is facilitating the continued normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara.

"I would also note that Turkey is an important element of TRIPP, which involves more than just the transportation of goods from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan and back, or just from west to east." "This will truly be a powerful project if the section of the railway running through Nakhichevan, back to Armenia, through Shirak, through Kars to Turkey, and from there anywhere, is used, as Turkey has a well-developed railway network," she said, adding that the US is working directly with Turkey on this issue. She added that she is aware that Armenia is also working directly with Turkey to take all necessary steps to implement this vector.

She also assured that TRIPP will not create obstacles to Armenian-Iranian cooperation. As a reminder, the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project is a 42-kilometer road in southern Armenia that will be transferred to US management. Experts believe this could significantly change the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus.