The railway to be built under the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project will have stops, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during a meeting of the parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Sputnik Armenia reports.
Armenia’s National Assembly has begun the ratification process for the framework agreement on strategic cooperation between Armenia and the U.S. concerning the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. Minister Mirzoyan is presenting the agreement to the committee.
“I do not rule out a situation in which there are passengers, everything has developed excellently, and peace has grown stronger day by day. It is clear, isn’t it, that at some point in the future there will be passenger transportation, there will be visits, and a situation will arise where someone traveling on that railway will want to get off at a stop, have a coffee, eat something, simply rest or change trains,” Mirzoyan said in response to a question from Kristine Vardanyan, a member of the Hayastan parliamentary faction.
Asked what guarantees that Azerbaijan will sign a peace agreement after the TRIPP agreement is ratified, Mirzoyan said the guarantee lies in mutual interests, as Azerbaijan will also be able to use and benefit from the opportunities being created and the infrastructure being opened.
The minister noted that the planned opening of transport connections, the restoration of previously operating routes and the construction of new infrastructure will be important for organizing east-west passenger and freight transportation, Panorama.am reports.
“Azerbaijan will have the opportunity to connect with its own territory, namely Nakhchivan, and with third countries through Armenia’s territory and infrastructure. Armenia will enjoy reciprocal advantages and opportunities to connect north and south through Azerbaijan’s territory and infrastructure. At present, there is at least no railway connection. These opportunities will also facilitate links with third countries for supplies, consumption and imports,” he said.
Mirzoyan emphasized that the development of economic relations, deeper regional interconnectedness and growing mutual dependence also have a positive impact on ensuring political stability and strengthening peace.
“The first dimension is the economic benefits. The second dimension, no less important, is the strengthening of peace,” he said.
The foreign minister also said the U.S. plans to play a substantial role in implementing the project while pursuing its own economic interests.
“The word ‘sovereignty’ is used eight times in this document in the following context: ‘The sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia over infrastructure and processes is reaffirmed.’
“Jurisdiction: Armenia retains full sovereignty and jurisdiction over its borders and customs operations, undertakes to ensure effective border management and has the right to maintain a physical presence at all its border control points.
“Security and law enforcement, border control and border security, customs and migration policy, the transfer of taxes and duties to the state budget, state information systems, public administration and oversight — Armenia retains full sovereignty and jurisdiction over all these areas,” the minister said.
