During the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, to Washington, a joint statement on TRIPP was signed with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In an interview with Radar Armenian, Narek Minasyan, an associate expert at the "Armenian Council" analytical center, described the signed document as necessary.
- The joint statement adopted by Armenia and the United States on the "Framework for the Implementation of TRIPP" is quite essential. Although the document does not create legal obligations, it will serve as a landmark for the drafting of legally binding project documents in the coming months.
The statement, based on the peace declaration adopted on August 8, 2025, sets out the parameters for implementing TRIPP.
The statement is essential in several respects. From a political perspective, it signals that the US wants to play a more active role in the South Caucasus, particularly on communications and economic integration. At the same time, it reaffirms Washington's support for Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, which is essential to long-term regional stability. In economic terms, the statement creates unprecedented opportunities for investment and infrastructure cooperation between Armenia and the United States.
-The RA-US statement envisages granting the TRIPP Development Company the right to build for 49 years, transferring a 74% share to the US at the initial stage. How do you assess such long-term cooperation?
- The 49-year term in itself is not unusual for such international infrastructure projects. It is usually necessary to ensure the return on significant investments. Therefore, such a term is primarily determined by economic factors. The investment plans of the United States and Armenia determine the 74/26% share ratio. The American side has already announced its readiness to invest heavily in the development of Armenia's infrastructure, border, and customs capabilities. It has already provided Armenia with $145 million in assistance as the first tranche. Such investments by the Trump administration are rare in other countries and send a clear political message to Armenia and the region.
It is also possible that this cooperation will be extended for another 50 years, after which the Armenian government's ownership share will increase to 49%.
Despite the initial share ratio, it is essential to note that all issues related to the TRIPP development company are subject to agreement between the Armenian and US governments, and Armenia will retain control over matters of principle.
- To what extent have the doubts that were in the public domain regarding Armenia's competencies and authorities within the framework of TRIPP been dispelled?
- The document quite clearly and unambiguously records the preservation of Armenia's full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the entire TRIPP coverage, which is one of the main red lines of the Armenian side. It is noteworthy that, in this context, the document is quite detailed and emphasizes ensuring Armenia's jurisdiction over legislative, regulatory, judicial, national security, law enforcement, and customs and border control matters. Armenian state bodies will not outsource any sovereign functions.
There were objective and subjective concerns in Armenian political and public circles regarding TRIPP. The published statement addresses many troubling questions and dispels legitimate concerns. Despite all this, given the upcoming parliamentary elections, political speculation on the topic will continue and become part of the pre-election campaign.
- And are there any concerns regarding this statement and its implementation?
- The statement issued by Armenia and the United States is the initial stage of the implementation of TRIPP. In the near future, several legally binding documents, including the charter of the TRIPP Development Company, will be developed and signed in accordance with the agreed parameters.
Azerbaijan's compliance with the commitments it made in Washington is also crucial to the project's implementation. Official Baku has not yet responded to the statement, and it is not clear how it will position itself.
The agreed parameters do not align with Azerbaijan's maximalist aspirations to obtain an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia. The adopted statement provides an opportunity to unblock communications and expand regional trade and interconnection, based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of states.
Washington is also in active contact with Baku, and the American factor will be decisive in Azerbaijan's decision-making.
- How can this agreement affect Armenia's foreign policy position, taking into account the interests of competing powers in the region?
- This agreement can significantly strengthen Armenia's sovereignty and open up new opportunities as an economic partner. The implementation of TRIPP will also strengthen Armenia-US relations, reduce dependence on a single center, and expand the Armenian side's maneuvering space. This gives Armenia additional political weight and negotiating leverage, both regionally and internationally.
It is also evident that, although several regional actors are not involved in the project, they can still play a role in unblocking broader regional communications and benefit significantly. For example, in the context of unblocking, Iran and Russia can establish a railway link to Armenia, which will be a significant catalyst for economic cooperation. It is essential that the official Yerevan actively pursue pragmatic opportunities rather than compete with various actors.
- Azerbaijan has transferred four prisoners to Armenia today. How would you assess this step, and what impact can it have on the peace process?
- The issue of persons held in Azerbaijan is one of the central and most sensitive issues hindering the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The release of 4 Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan is a relatively positive step on the path to peace. It is noteworthy that Armenia, in turn, transferred two citizens sentenced to life imprisonment to Syria through Turkey to continue the execution of their sentences in Syria. These two processes are part of a single package of agreements between Yerevan and Baku.
For Azerbaijan, the Armenian prisoners held in Baku are an essential lever of influence on the Armenian side. Unfortunately, the Azerbaijani side will try to use it as much as possible. Progress in the peace process and initiatives aimed at building mutual trust increase the possibility of finally addressing these and other sensitive issues.
- By the way, Trump recently announced that he will impose a percentage tariff on countries trading with Iran. Does Armenia have anything to worry about in this regard?
- There is significant uncertainty surrounding Trump's announcement of imposing additional tariffs of 25% on countries doing business with Iran. The decision does not specify which countries it will apply to. During my conversations with my American colleagues, they also note that it is unclear whether it will apply to Armenia.
It should be noted that in the past, when imposing various anti-Iranian restrictions, the American side has consistently recognized Armenia's specificities and regional realities, and has made exceptions for Yerevan. Given the current state of Armenian-American relations, the likelihood of such an exception is high again.
Laura Harutyunyan
