ArmInfo. The TRIPP project is fully consistent with the logic of unblocking Armenia's transport communications. This was stated by RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan at a press conference on February 3.
According to him, the Armenian authorities are actively working with their American partners on this issue. The minister recalled the creation of a company that will develop, construct, and operate the railway. "This company will begin work on implementing the TRIPP project in the near future," the minister said. In parallel, Khudatyan continued, negotiations are underway with the Russian side regarding restoration work on the railway sections leading to Azerbaijan and Turkey. According to the minister, Yerevan is negotiating with Moscow on restoring the railway on the Ijevan and Akhurik sections. "We understand that restoration work on these sections will be carried out jointly with the Russian side, meaning with its direct participation and funding," Khudatyan said. Earlier, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan instructed the South Caucasus Railway company to urgently begin work on restoring the border railway sections leading to Turkey and Azerbaijan. According to the prime minister, this instruction applies to the section from Yeraskh to the border with Azerbaijan (Nakhichevan), as well as the section from Akhurik to the border with Turkey.
It was previously reported that Armenia would transfer management of the Trump Route to International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project to the United States for an initial 49-year term, with Armenia holding only a 26% stake. The company is expected to be responsible for developing the TRIPP project, receiving an initial development right for a period of 49 years. Armenia intends to offer the United States a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company, retaining 26%. This partnership is expected to be extended for another 50 years, with an additional ownership stake granted to the Armenian government, bringing its stake to 49%.
According to the project's authors, by connecting the mainland of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and creating a crucial link in the Trans-Caspian trade route, the TRIPP project will bring mutual benefits in terms of international and domestic transport accessibility for the Republic of Armenia. Through the TRIPP program, the United States seeks to improve communications, trade, and transportation links in the South Caucasus to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, expand access to markets and vital supply chains in the Trans-Caspian region, and present the world with an example of a world built on prosperity. Armenia, in turn, seeks to expand its role as a regional transit and economic hub, attract foreign investment into Armenia's infrastructure, and build institutional capacity for modern border management and trade facilitation.
