Armenpress. The ongoing talks between Armenia and the United States regarding the TRIPP connectivity project have not slowed down amid the war in Iran and the subsequent Middle East escalation, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Monday.
Mirzoyan was asked at a press briefing whether there has been any slowdown in the negotiations or whether the government has concerns that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project could be hindered by the Middle East escalation.“I assure you that negotiations between Armenia and the United States on TRIPP have not slowed down and are proceeding normally. The first step was announced on August 8, and with the second step, we negotiated and on January 14 agreed on and published a comprehensive document outlining the implementation framework. The next step will be the signing of an intergovernmental agreement, which will include more legal mechanisms. At present, work on TRIPP is focused on the document, and it is ongoing. When possible, we will also move on to work on-the-ground,” Mirzoyan said.Responding to a question about whether he sees any risks that TRIPP could be used for other purposes, particularly military, amid the war in Iran and Middle East tensions, Mirzoyan said:“We are talking purely about a transport and connectivity project that will create economic opportunities for Armenia, for Azerbaijan, and for all neighbors, including Iran. During our meetings, Iranian officials, if I am not mistaken also publicly had several occasions to say that Armenian officials provided them with information, that they have no concerns, and moreover, that the project also creates opportunities for them,” he said.In response to a journalist’s claim that there are concerns the United States could at some point sell its share in TRIPP to another country, such as Türkiye, Mirzoyan said:“You need to read the document. This issue is addressed in the TRIPP implementation framework, which includes mechanisms ensuring that no share can be allocated or sold in any way without Armenia’s consent,” he said.The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. TRIPP is part of the Crossroads of Peace project, and an Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.