Ambassador: Yerevan takes into account Iran`s interests when  considering  "Trump route" project

ArmInfo.  The Washington Declaration of August 8 envisages the lifting of all  restrictions on domestic, bilateral, and international transport,  based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and  jurisdiction of states, and Yerevan took Iran's interests into  account in promoting this agenda, as stated by Armenian Ambassador to  Iran Grigor Hakobyan in an interview with Tasnim.

"I must emphasize that, in an atmosphere of true friendship and  mutual trust, official Yerevan has taken Tehran's vital interests  into account throughout this process, and an active dialogue on  developments has been conducted at various levels," the Armenian  diplomat said. According to him, lifting the blockade will allow  Armenia to establish rail links with the Islamic Republic of Iran  through Nakhichevan. "This will create an unprecedented opportunity  for Iran to establish direct rail connections with Georgia, linking  with Black Sea ports. In turn, Iran will become a transit rail route  for Armenia in terms of connections with the countries of Central  Asia and the Far East," Hakobyan added.

He further noted that additional connections are also planned between  various regions of Armenia, which is of great importance for the  country's domestic economic and logistical systems. "It is also  important that Armenia and the United States have equal veto power  regarding third-party involvement in the Trump Route Project (TRIPP),  so any party can only be involved in this program with the consent of  Yerevan and Washington.

General terms for the implementation of the TRIPP project are  currently being actively discussed with Washington. Plans are  underway to register an Armenian-American joint venture, TRIPP, in  Armenia, which will have the right to develop the necessary  infrastructure for railways, highways, oil and gas pipelines, and  fiber-optic cables. We plan to move on to the practical  implementation and construction phase of the project next year," the  Armenian ambassador said.

He added that this project will contribute to the creation of  regional interdependence, becoming an important factor in sustainable  peace. "I am pleased to note that political agreements on the gradual  opening of communications are already yielding tangible results. In  October, Azerbaijan announced the lifting of restrictions on the  transit of goods through its territory to Armenia, and we already  have the first practical examples: grain is being transported to  Armenia by rail from Kazakhstan through Azerbaijan and Georgia.   Armenia has also repeatedly stated its willingness to ensure the  transit of goods between Turkey and Azerbaijan through its territory,  both politically and technically. Thus, it can be said that the TRIPP  project offers Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the entire region a new,  internationally supported communication model based on the principles  of sovereignty, territorial integrity, reciprocity, and jurisdiction.  I am confident that its implementation will not only promote economic  cooperation but also strengthen peace and stability throughout the  region," Hakobyan said. Touching on Armenian-Turkish relations, the  diplomat emphasized that contacts between Armenia and Turkey have  recently intensified at nearly all levels.

"Armenia consistently continues its constructive engagement in the  settlement process, striving to establish diplomatic relations, open  the border, and lift the blockade of all infrastructure. This year,  another meeting of special representatives of Armenia and Turkey was  held in Yerevan. During that meeting the full implementation of the  agreements already reached within the framework of the dialogue was  discussed.  These agreements include the operation of the  Margara-Alijan border crossing, as well as the restoration of the  Gyumri-Kars railway and the Armenia-Turkey power transmission line,"  the Armenian Ambassador to Iran added.

Additionally, he emphasized that the resumption of the Gyumri-Kars  railway is of key importance in terms of regional transport  connectivity. According to him, together with TRIPP, it will form a  unified railway network connecting the three South Caucasus countries  and neighboring regions. "I am pleased to note that several days ago,  representatives of the relevant institutions of the two countries  held a second round of technical discussions aimed at restoring and  operating this railway, which demonstrates the ongoing and practical  nature of the process.

We are confident that the principles for unlocking infrastructure,  outlined in the trilateral declaration in Washington, and the speedy  implementation of TRIPP will create a favorable environment allowing  us to take the next important step - establishing diplomatic  relations between Armenia and Turkey and fully opening the  infrastructure. In conclusion, I can note that significant progress  has been made in the process of normalizing relations with Turkey,  and if this momentum continues, it will be possible to create a new,  more integrated and predictable environment in the region, which will  be of exceptional importance  for Armenia and the entire region,"  Hakobyan concluded.