TRIPP project will also create opportunities for Iran and Russia, Mirzoyan say

The TRIPP project to be implemented in Armenia will also create opportunities for the Islamic Republic of Iran, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in remarks to journalists, adding that concerns over possible security risks for Iran linked to the project had been dispelled.

“There were questions in Iran regarding the alleged security component of TRIPP, including discussions about the possible deployment of third-country armed forces. Our Iranian partners have seen that no such thing is envisaged by the signed document. All infrastructure will remain under the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and operate under Armenia’s jurisdiction, which also excludes the deployment of any third party. There is therefore no particular reason for concern over these issues,” Mirzoyan said.

“The same TRIPP project will also create opportunities for Iran. Through Nakhchivan, we will be connected by rail to Iran’s railway network. Through Armenia, Iran will also be able to gain access, for example, to the Black Sea. In effect, TRIPP creates a new rail connection linking the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea,” he added.

The Armenian foreign minister also said the project would create opportunities for Russia.

“Numerous officials from Russia have shown interest in TRIPP and would like to participate,” Mirzoyan noted.

On May 26, Armenia and the United States initialled a framework agreement on strategic cooperation related to the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” project.

The document was initialled during a visit to Armenia by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement was signed on behalf of Armenia by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and on behalf of the United States by Rubio.