Armenia embraces its ‘Trump’ corridor while keeping Russia, Iran close
Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan told Semafor the US-backed transit and trade project is essential to secure long-lasting peace with Azerbaijan.
Armenia is fully committed to the transit and energy corridor known as TRIPP, or the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," according to its ambassador to the US, Narek Mkrtchyan. Mkrtchyan stated that Armenia is comfortable with the US government's 74% stake in the developer of the proposed corridor, viewing it as crucial to the peace agreement signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan alongside former President Trump.
Although the accord has not been ratified, Mkrtchyan believes TRIPP will pave the way for peace. The US government has pledged approximately $201 million to support the project, with an ultimate economic impact of $1.5 billion. Despite the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, Mkrtchyan insists that Armenia maintains strong ties with both nations.
He emphasized that Armenia will retain decision-making power and that the US stake demonstrates its continued support. The ambassador also discussed the possibility of normalizing relations with Turkey, aiming to reopen the border that had been closed in 1993, and integrate these connections with the TRIPP corridor.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
