Viewpoint
Vance's upcoming visit to Yerevan underscores Washington's exceptional attention to the South Caucasus. Babajanyan
Arman Babajanyan, the chairman of the "For the Republic" party, wrote on his Facebook page:
"The American regional policy in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, which has been revived under the Donald Trump administration, is based on strategic economic interests. It is aimed not only at regional peace, but also at exporting Central Asia's vast resources (minerals, hydrocarbons) to Europe and global markets, bypassing Russia and China. In this context, the "Trump Path to International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project plays a central role.
TRIPP, which envisages a transport route through Armenia, is part of the broader Middle Corridor, which connects Central Asia with Europe. The United States has been granted exclusive rights to develop this infrastructure, including railways, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber-optic links.
Back in 2023, former US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stated in the Senate: "The countries of Central Asia are wealthy, but their only outlet to world markets is through Russia or China. A corridor through Armenia and Azerbaijan would reduce that dependence." This statement is connected to Trump's current policy, which Vice President J.D. Vance himself promotes.
The upcoming visit of US Vice President J.D. Vance to Yerevan next month underscores Washington's exceptional attention to the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The visit is also essential because Vance is considered one of the most likely Republican presidential candidates.
TRIPP, as vital as it is to Armenia (economic growth, transit revenues), is particularly important to the US as a geopolitical tool to limit Russia's and China's influence. This significantly increases the project's value and the strategic importance of Armenia. Of all the countries along the Middle Corridor, Armenia is the only democracy and Christian state, which strengthens its role as a reliable partner for the West. Thus, Armenia becomes a bridge for regional integration and global stability.
TRIPP turns Armenia into a reliable axis of the Middle Corridor, increasing its strategic weight, negotiating position, and, with it, security and economic prospects."
