Azerbaijani top official: TRIPP "win-win situation for everybody" Video by PBS NewsHour

US-based PBS NewsHour news outlet has released a video report examining the Trump administration’s attempt to promote a peaceful resolution to the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict through a proposed transport corridor agreement known as TRIPP. The project aims to connect the main part of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, expand regional trade routes, and foster economic cooperation with the participation of American companies. 

The report highlights some challenges to implementation, including Russia’s influence in the region, Iran’s geographic proximity, and a range of technical and political risks. At the same time, it notes that successful implementation could alter the balance of power in the South Caucasus by weakening Russia’s position and strengthening the role of the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

The report includes comments from Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan and head of the foreign policy department of the presidential administration, who emphasised the economic potential of the “Trump Route.”

“But the United States companies and United States private sector will also get a tremendous opportunity and using this route entering Central Asian market and including the rare earth material and some other business activities, a therefore win-win situation for everybody, including the United States companies,” he said.

Hajiyev also addressed the prospects for peace in the South Caucasus, describing recent changes as historic.

“I will divide the regional history in two parts, until the 8th of August and after the 8th of August. A lot of things have tremendously changed in the region of the South Caucasus. Since the independence of Armenia and Azerbaijan, these two countries were literally in a war. But now we have real peace on the ground,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli