Armenia and the United States have unveiled framework for implementation of joint TRIPP project

YEREVAN, January 14. /ARКА/. On January 13, Armenian Foreign Minister Arrat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington to unveil the framework for the implementation of the Trump Pathway for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project.

This document marks a new step toward implementing the commitments reached at the White House on August 8, 2025, to promote lasting peace in the South Caucasus, the Armenian Foreign Ministry press service reported.

The text of the statement was circulated by the governments of Armenia and the United States.

Novosti-Armenia presents the text with minor edits.

"The framework outlines a specific path for the launch of TRIPP, which is designed to establish seamless, multimodal transit connectivity through Armenia." By connecting the mainland of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the Trans-Caspian trade route, TRIPP is expected to create mutual benefits of international and domestic connectivity for the Republic of Armenia.

The TRIPP implementation framework emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity for the overall success of TRIPP.

The ultimate goal of TRIPP is to strengthen the prosperity and security of Armenia and Azerbaijan and stimulate American trade by expanding regional trade and connectivity, as well as creating new transit opportunities connecting Central Asia and the Caspian Sea with Europe.

TRIPP Implementation Framework

This document outlines the implementation framework for the Trump Path for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This framework does not create, and is not intended to create, legal obligations or liabilities for Armenia or the United States.

Through TRIPP, the United States seeks to:

• build on the August 8 Joint Declaration to advance lasting peace;

• promote communications, trade, and connectivity in the South Caucasus to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region;

• expand market access and vital supply chains in the Trans-Caspian region;

• present the world with an example of peace built through prosperity.

Through TRIPP, Armenia aims to:

• expand Armenia's role as a regional transit and economic hub,

• attract foreign investment in Armenia's infrastructure,

• build institutional capacity for modern border management and trade facilitation,

• create sustainable revenue streams and toll collection rights for Armenia,

• strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States,

• promote regional integration and settlement,

• expand Armenia's export potential to new markets.

Expected benefits for the United States

• Opening new markets for American investment, business, and goods

• Regional trade connectivity, bringing raw materials, critical minerals, and rare metals to American markets

• Additional trade route options between the United States, Europe, and Asia, ensuring the movement of people and goods regardless of geopolitical changes

Expected benefits for Armenia and the people of Armenia

• Employment: Job opportunities for skilled Armenian citizens

• Joint ventures: Opportunities between international and Armenian companies

• Technology transfer: Developing opportunities for Armenian companies

• Retraining: Developing the skills of the Armenian workforce

• Reinvestment in the region

Armenia's Commitment to Success

Armenia is committed to ensuring the success of TRIPP as a strategic initiative serving its national interests and intends to take the following steps:

• Provide full cooperation and support to the development of TRIPP,

• Ensure effective coordination among Armenian government agencies,

• Facilitate the timely completion of permitting, approval, and regulatory processes,

• Maintain open communication with U.S. partners,

• Work toward a regional settlement to realize the full potential of TRIPP,

• Develop differentiated procedures for people, vehicles, and goods, including in both directions between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, based on Armenian laws, regulations, and international agreements, and in accordance with international standards.

Prerequisites for Success

Armenia and the United States recognize that the success of TRIPP depends on:

• further institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,

• progress toward a comprehensive settlement of the Armenia-Turkey conflict,

• sustained U.S. engagement,

• regional cooperation and stability,

• effective development of the capacity of Armenian institutions.

Establishment of a TRIPP Development Company

TRIPP is to be implemented within the transit routes envisaged within Armenia, at locations to be determined in the future, while maintaining Armenia's full sovereignty over the entire project area within Armenia's sovereign territory. The TRIPP Development Company, with a majority stake held by the United States and substantive control by Armenia, is intended to ensure the development and implementation of TRIPP infrastructure.

Armenia intends to authorize and support the establishment of a TRIPP Development Company. The company is expected to be responsible for the development of TRIPP, with development rights granted to it for an initial term of 49 years. Armenia intends to offer the United States a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company and retain a 26% stake. This partnership is expected to be extended for an additional 50 years, with the Armenian government receiving additional ownership, bringing its stake to 49%. Any change in the TRIPP Development Company's shareholders (including the sale of shares, donation, merger, division, reorganization, or any other legal or actual action) and any change in beneficial ownership are expected to be subject to prior approval by the governments of Armenia and the United States.

Armenia and the United States plan to work together to develop the corporate structure of the TRIPP Development Company. The structure is expected to reflect the following: 1) the involvement of the Armenian and US governments in certain specific decisions and issues related to the operation of the multimodal transit route, and 2) financial income for the US in exchange for its initial investment or other economic benefits for the US government or US companies.

It is envisaged that decisions on certain sensitive issues within the framework of the clarified fundamental issues will be made jointly through the Armenia-US Steering Committee.

The TRIPP Development Company is expected to directly implement the TRIPP rail and road projects and will have subsidiaries or special purpose entities for other TRIPP components.

Armenia's share in the TRIPP Development Company reflects its contribution to the following:

• land use rights (development rights) along transit routes,

• existing infrastructure assets (subject to further discussion),

• regulatory support and expedited permitting procedures,

• in-kind contributions related to border and customs infrastructure,

• monetary (cash) contributions, as needed.

Each country intends to appoint a senior government official as the lead coordinator for TRIPP implementation, who will be responsible for interagency coordination and serve as the primary point of contact with the TRIPP Development Company.

Grant of Development Rights

Armenia intends to grant the TRIPP Development Company the following exclusive rights:

• to plan, design, develop, construct, operate, and maintain multimodal transit infrastructure within the designated transit routes,

• to establish special-purpose entities for specific infrastructure projects,

• to enter into contracts with construction companies, operators, and service providers,

• to generate and collect revenues from infrastructure activities,

• to manage the TRIPP route as part of an integrated system.

Development rights may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• railway infrastructure — railways, terminals, stations, rolling stock facilities,

• road infrastructure — highways, roads, bridges, tunnels,

• energy infrastructure — power transmission systems, oil pipelines, gas pipelines,

• digital infrastructure — fiber-optic networks,

• supporting infrastructure — administrative buildings, utilities, security and safety systems — in accordance with RA legislation. The TRIPP Development Company may collect and retain revenue from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, the following:

• infrastructure access fees,

• commercial activities within the transit route,

• property leases and development,

• service fees,

• revenue shares received from special purpose entities.

Armenia clearly retains:

• legislative, regulatory, and judicial jurisdiction—derived from full sovereignty and territorial integrity—over the entire TRIPP area within the sovereign territory of Armenia, including the authority to apply laws and regulations in accordance with Armenia's domestic laws and international agreements;

• control over national security and law enforcement;

• jurisdiction over customs and border control over trade and transit under the TRIPP;

• jurisdiction over taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory payments in the area of ​​trade and transit;

• access to all areas within the sovereign territory of Armenia;

• jurisdiction to apply all Armenian laws within the areas of Armenia's sovereign territory that are part of the transit route.

Special Purpose Entities

The TRIPP Development Company, in parallel with the direct implementation of the rail and road components of the TRIPP, is expected to establish separate legal structures for the major infrastructure components, pending further study and analysis. Each entity is expected to have governance, financing, and operating models tailored to the specific infrastructure type and strategic considerations. All special purpose entities are initially to be established by the TRIPP Development Company, with the understanding that private sector investment opportunities may be discussed on a case-by-case basis at subsequent stages.

Border Security and Customs Control

Fundamental Principles

Armenia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over border and customs activities are absolute and non-negotiable. All border and customs activities are expected to be carried out in accordance with internationally recognized border management standards, adhering to the principles of the August 8 declaration, and using a "front office - back office" operating model.

Integrated Border Management

Armenia intends to continue developing and implementing modern integrated border management practices, which the United States can facilitate through technical assistance, including:

• risk-based inspection and customs clearance procedures,

• modern inspection technologies,

• digital customs and border systems,

• coordinated interagency processes,

• capacity development for Armenian civil servants.

Pilot Projects

Armenia intends to implement pilot projects to optimize:

• preliminary customs clearance procedures,

• digitalized document flow and processing,

• one-stop border crossing concepts,

• technology-based risk assessments,

• coordinated border management with neighboring countries.

Front-Office - Back-Office Operating Model

While maintaining Armenia's sovereignty and jurisdiction, it is expected that in order to enhance TRIPP's efficiency, a front-office - back-office model will be implemented, using digital tools to facilitate seamless communication.

Front-Office (Third-Party Operators)

Private operators contracted with the TRIPP Development Company are expected to provide the following in-person customer service services:

• Preliminary collection of documents for verification,

• Provision of information and guidance to users,

• Collection of trade and transit fees and payment processing.

RA taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory payments must be directly collected into the RA state budget in accordance with applicable legislation and fiscal procedures.

"Back Office" (RA government agencies)

RA customs and border officials exercise all sovereign powers in accordance with RA domestic legislation and international agreements:

• Final customs decisions and clearance,

• Security screening and implementation,

• Migration control,

• Law enforcement,

• Permits and approvals,

• Inspection and verification.

Clear Jurisdiction

• Front-office operators provide support; they do not make decisions;

• Armenian officials maintain a physical presence at all border and customs facilities in Armenia;

• No delegation of sovereign functions occurs.

Customs Procedures

Armenia will continue to develop and implement:

• Risk-based selectivity – modern cargo screening with centralized physical inspections;

• Transit regime – efficient procedures for transit goods with appropriate sealing and traceability;

• Pre-arrival processing – electronic submission and processing of documents;

• Single-window systems – integrated trade document platforms;

• Harmonized procedures – alignment with international customs standards.

Security Actions

• Armenia retains full jurisdiction over the sovereign territory of Armenia.

• ​​Infrastructure security projects must be approved by Armenian security authorities.

• Armenian authorities have priority in all emergency situations.

• Private operational security personnel may be hired subject to licensing by Armenia.

Data Systems and Sovereignty

• Modern information systems will be installed for border and customs management.

• All state data systems will remain under the sovereign control of Armenia.

• ​​Data exchange with foreign authorities requires an appropriate legal framework.

• Cybersecurity standards will be aligned with international best practices.

• Personal data processing complies with Armenian legislation.

Training and Capacity Development

The United States intends, to the extent funds are available, to support comprehensive training and capacity development for Armenian border and customs personnel, including:

• modern customs equipment and procedures,

• operation of technology systems,

• risk assessment and information analysis,

• professional integrity and ethics,

• international exchange programs.