WNAM REPORT: Azerbaijan said Wednesday that the adoption of an implementation framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project is an “important step” toward the commencement of “practical work in this area.”
Commenting on a Washington and Yerevan statement on the TRIPP framework document, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada said the adoption, in addition to its importance in implementing the project, demonstrated the US’ commitment to deals reached at the Washington summit in August.
“It is also important in terms of fulfilling the obligations undertaken by Armenia,” Hajizada said in a ministry statement.
He further said ensuring “unimpeded connectivity” between Azerbaijan and its autonomous Nakhchivan exclave is one of Baku’s main priorities, adding that the TRIPP route is also important in terms of “diversifying trade and connections in the wider region.”
Hajizada’s remarks come one day after a joint statement announced the release of an implementation framework for the TRIPP project following talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
The transit project will link mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia, under a declaration signed Aug. 8 at a summit between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and US President Donald Trump.
The framework document released by both countries after the meeting said that the “TRIPP Development Company” will be responsible for the development and implementation of the infrastructure, with the US controlling a stake and Armenian oversight of reserve matters.
Once established, the company will have development rights for an initial term of 49 years, with Armenia intending to offer the US a 74% share and keeping 26%, according to the framework. The deal is expected to be extended for another 50 years with a grant of additional equity to Armenia, bringing its share to 49%.
The company will manage rail, road, energy and digital infrastructure along designated transit routes in Armenian territory. Armenia will retain full sovereignty over all project areas, including the authority to enforce its laws and regulations in line with domestic and international rules.
