The Armenian government approved the draft law on the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America concerning the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan presented the draft at the government meeting on July 16.

According to Mirzoyan, the adoption of the decision launches the agreement’s ratification process. The draft will be submitted to the Constitutional Court and, should the Court find the obligations stipulated in the agreement to be consistent with the Constitution, it will then be submitted to the National Assembly.

“With this decision, we are essentially launching the process of ratifying the Framework Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America concerning the TRIPP project. Following the adoption of the decision, we will submit the draft to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia in accordance with the established procedure. Should the Constitutional Court rule that the obligations stipulated in the international treaty do not contradict the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, we will then apply to the National Assembly in accordance with the established procedure and move the discussion of the matter to the National Assembly,” Mirzoyan said.

The minister recalled that the framework agreement was initialled in Yerevan on May 26, 2026, by himself and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and was subsequently signed in Washington on June 1 and in Yerevan on June 4.

“To address any possible questions, let me note that this type of non-simultaneous, remote signing of agreements is provided for under international practice and the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and is an accepted practice,” Mirzoyan emphasized.

The Armenian foreign minister noted that the signing of the agreement had been preceded by two other important documents: the declaration signed on August 8, 2025, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the President of Azerbaijan, as well as the document defining the TRIPP implementation framework, signed by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Armenian foreign minister on January 13, 2026.

“This intergovernmental framework agreement further elaborates on the agreed details and areas of cooperation and is fully consistent with the two documents I have mentioned. Why am I stressing this? Because, both in the case of the August 8 declaration and the January 13 document known as the implementation framework, there was speculation that the intergovernmental agreement might ultimately contain provisions inconsistent with those documents. As we can now see, this agreement is not only fully consistent with the principles that were made public, recorded, enshrined and signed, but the framework agreement itself also repeatedly refers to both the August 8 and January 13 documents,” Mirzoyan said.

According to the foreign minister, two additional documents must be agreed upon in order to complete the documentary process for the establishment of TRIPP: the shareholders’ agreement and the charter of the TRIPP Development Company.

Under the framework agreement, Armenia and the United States aim to strengthen peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus through the development of transportation, infrastructure, and regional and global trade.

“The agreement establishes that Armenia and the United States intend to contribute to and strengthen peace, established stability, and the development of peoples and states in the South Caucasus by developing transportation, transport infrastructure, and regional and global trade. This is also repeatedly stated in the framework agreement,” Mirzoyan noted.

Under the agreement, Armenia and the United States will establish the TRIPP Development Company. The company will be able to establish special-purpose companies and involve other partners in order to implement individual projects in different zones within Armenia.

Mirzoyan assured that the entire process, the TRIPP Development Company and its subsequent activities would be carried out with full respect for Armenia’s sovereignty, jurisdiction and territorial integrity.

The TRIPP Development Company will be granted land-use and development rights in the relevant zones for an initial period of 49 years. During that period, the United States will hold a 74% stake in the company, while Armenia will hold 26%.

At the end of the 49-year period, the cooperation may be extended for a further 50 years by mutual agreement between the parties. In that event, Armenia’s stake will increase from 26% to 49%.

“If the term is extended, it will be ensured that the Republic of Armenia holds 49% of the company’s shares. In other words, the Republic of Armenia’s 26% stake will be increased to 49%. In order to receive the 49% stake in the event of an extension, the Republic of Armenia will not be required to take any additional action, make any additional investment or assume any additional obligation,” Mirzoyan said.

The foreign minister emphasized that Armenia would retain full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the management of the state border, border control, customs administration and all customs procedures carried out within Armenian territory.

“In accordance with its domestic legislation and international agreements, Armenia will continue to be responsible for the following: security and law-enforcement activities, border control and border security, customs and migration control, the transfer of taxes and duties to the state budget, state information systems, state administrative functions and oversight. As you can see, this list fully covers and can dispel all the possible concerns that may genuinely have arisen among the Armenian public during the numerous discussions, as well as the malicious speculation we have witnessed in recent months,” Mirzoyan emphasized.

He added that a division of responsibilities based on a “front office-back office” model could be applied in carrying out certain functions, while private operators could be involved in front-office operations.

“A division of responsibilities based on the front office-back office principle may be established for the performance of these functions, and private operators may be engaged for the front office. This is a practice that already exists in the Republic of Armenia, and its details are also set out in the January 13 document known as the TRIPP implementation framework,” the foreign minister concluded.

Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are important for the Russian Federation, and Moscow is ready to support the full normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The statement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry ahead of the official visit of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Russia on July 16-17.

“Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are important to us. As before, we stand ready to provide the requested assistance in the full normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the conclusion of a peace treaty, border delimitation, and the unblocking of transport and economic connections,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation on July 16-17. He is expected to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Armenian Deputy Ministers of Economy Arman Khojoyan and Anushik Avetyan met on July 15 with Abdul Waheed, Director of Oman’s KV Group, the company’s Vice President Mohammad Al Balushi, and Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Sultanate of Oman, Hrachya Poladyan.

The sides discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and Oman, as well as opportunities to export Armenian fresh fruit and vegetables to the Omani market, the Ministry of Economy said.

Khojoyan presented the Armenian government’s export promotion policy, emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation with the Gulf countries. He also highlighted Armenia’s potential in intensive horticulture and greenhouse farming.

Representatives of KV Group expressed interest in importing fresh fruit and vegetables from Armenia.

As part of their visit, they will tour several horticultural and greenhouse farms in Armenia to familiarize themselves with local produce and explore export opportunities.

The sides agreed to continue their cooperation, organize B2B meetings with the participation of Armenian producers, and exchange the necessary information to identify practical areas of cooperation.

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published the Fifth Round Compliance Report on Armenia, concluding that the country has implemented satisfactorily six of the 22 recommendations addressed to it.

Of the remaining recommendations, 15 have been partly implemented, while one has not been implemented.

The report was adopted at GRECO’s 103rd plenary meeting, held in Strasbourg on June 8-12, and published on July 16.

The recommendations considered to have been implemented satisfactorily concern the legal status of advisers serving on a voluntary basis, police communication and transparency, the anti-corruption action programme, the police code of conduct and training, as well as the independent investigation of serious misconduct by police officers.

With regard to top executive functions, GRECO welcomed the steps taken by Armenia to regulate the conduct of public officials, improve transparency in procurement related to protocol expenses, enhance civil society participation, regulate lobbying, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase the resources of the Corruption Prevention Commission.

“Overall, while further work is needed to fully implement nearly all recommendations, GRECO encourages Armenia to continue its efforts and is confident that the implementation of the planned measures will strengthen its anti-corruption framework,” the report says.

Regarding law enforcement authorities, GRECO noted significant progress, particularly in the areas of police transparency, communication, anti-corruption programmes, staff training, and the investigation of offences committed by police officers.

At the same time, GRECO noted that the representation of women in the police, including in senior positions, remains low. In 2025, women accounted for 5.8% of senior positions in the police and 8.7% of the police force overall.

The only recommendation that has not been implemented concerns the full implementation of the Human Rights Defender’s functions in the area of whistleblower protection. GRECO noted that the Ombudsman’s Office still lacks sufficient human and financial resources and that a dedicated unit should be established with additional staff positions allocated.

“Armenia should pay particular attention to the recommendation concerning the Human Rights Defender’s functions in the area of whistleblower protection, as this is the only recommendation that has not even been partly implemented,” GRECO stressed.

Armenia is required to submit additional information to GRECO by December 31, 2027, on the progress made in implementing the recommendations that have been partly implemented or not implemented.

Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan on July 16 received the newly appointed Head of the European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia, Ambassador Cosmin George Dinescu.

According to the Armenian Security Council Office, Grigoryan welcomed the deployment of the EU’s new civilian mission in Armenia, underscoring the Armenian side’s commitment to supporting the effective implementation of activities under the mission’s mandate.

Grigoryan also highlighted the mission’s role and support in countering disinformation, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.

The sides also discussed further areas of cooperation and opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement.

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has received Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan.

According to the presidential office, Khachaturyan highly praised the reforms being implemented by the ministry, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts in the fields of education, science, culture and sport.

The president said the reform process should continue, enriched with new ideas, modern approaches and innovative solutions.

He stressed that Armenia’s greatest asset is its educated citizens and that one of the state’s key priorities is to create a supportive and encouraging environment for them.

“In fact, everything begins with education. When asked what Armenia’s future is, the answer is unequivocal: Armenia’s future is its educated people. That is the principle that should guide us,” Khachaturyan said.

The president also highlighted ongoing efforts in the fields of culture and sport, noting that cultural life has become more vibrant and that the scope of cultural programmes and events should continue to expand. He said culture, like education, plays an important role in shaping society’s values and educating citizens.

Khachaturyan also stressed the importance of active public participation in the reform process, noting that society’s demand for quality education itself contributes to the sector’s development. He said the state’s goal is to foster proactive, responsible and civically engaged citizens who are ready to contribute to the country’s development.

Andreasyan thanked the president for the meeting and his assessment, noting that his continued attention to and participation in sector-related events provide important support and guidance for the ministry’s work.

The minister said the reforms are broad in scope and require time to be fully understood and embraced. At the same time, she noted that recent public opinion surveys indicate growing public support for the changes being implemented in the education sector.

According to Andreasyan, the findings show progress in terms of public awareness and engagement, and consistent efforts are needed to ensure the effective implementation of programmes and reforms in the sector.

Integrated border management issues have been discussed as part of the Armenia-EU visa liberalisation dialogue, Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) said in a statement.

According to the NSS, a working meeting was held on July 16 at the agency to discuss ongoing efforts to develop Armenia’s integrated border management system. The meeting brought together representatives of the National Security Service, the Security Council Office, the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs, the State Revenue Committee, as well as international experts.

The NSS noted that integrated border management is one of the key areas of action under the Armenia-EU visa liberalisation dialogue.

During the meeting, participants were briefed in detail on the progress of the draft Strategy and Action Plan for the Integrated Management System of the State Border of the Republic of Armenia, currently being developed by the National Security Service. Participants stressed the importance of the draft document and the need for its adoption as soon as possible.

International experts also presented the European concept of integrated border management and its mandatory components.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to intensify coordination among the competent authorities on finalising the draft strategy and action plan and to further align their efforts.

Azerbaijan exported plastic construction materials to Armenia in June 2026.

The information was reported by Azerbaijani media, citing data from the country’s State Statistics Committee.

According to the data, Azerbaijan supplied 1.39 tonnes of plastic construction materials to Armenia in June, with a total value of $5,910.

The same data show that the total value of goods exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia in January–June 2026 amounted to $17.129 million.

Meanwhile, the value of indirect imports of goods from Armenia to Azerbaijan during the same period totalled $960, while no deliveries from Armenia to Azerbaijan were recorded in June.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the meeting focused on cooperation between Armenia and the United Nations in the areas of peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

In this context, the sides discussed Armenia’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations and exchanged views on current international security issues, including recent developments and ongoing challenges in the Middle East.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abisoghomonyan also briefed his interlocutor on the steps being taken to institutionalise peace in the South Caucasus.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan met with Ireland’s Minister of State for Climate, Energy and the Environment Una Buckley in New York.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the sides highly praised cooperation between Armenia and Ireland within multilateral platforms and international organisations, underscoring the importance of further expanding cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Abisoghomonyan and Buckley discussed preparations for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17), which will be held in Armenia. In this context, they also addressed opportunities for cooperation between Armenia and Ireland, including in Ireland’s capacity as the holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Armenian deputy foreign minister stressed the importance of ensuring high-level participation in the Leaders’ Summit and the ministerial segment to be held as part of the conference, with a view to strengthening its political outcomes and advancing the international biodiversity agenda.