Top Armenian diplomat: International interest growing in TRIPP project

Several countries have expressed interest in different components of the TRIPP project, which will be implemented on the territory of Armenia, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told journalists.

According to Mirzoyan, different parties, countries and companies have shown interest in various aspects of the project — whether in physical construction, supply of goods, or the software systems used to manage the infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“We have also held preliminary discussions and exchanges of views with a number of partners, but I would not like to draw any conclusions or name names at this stage,” Mirzoyan said.

According to him, the TRIPP project, to be implemented in Armenia, will also create opportunities for Iran. He added that concerns that TRIPP could pose security problems for Iran have been dispelled.

“In Iran, there were questions regarding the alleged security component of TRIPP, particularly the issue of deploying third-country armed forces. Our Iranian colleagues have seen that nothing of the sort is envisaged in the signed documents: all infrastructure will remain under the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, operate under Armenian jurisdiction, and this also rules out the deployment of any third party. There is no cause for particular concern on these issues. For Iran, TRIPP will bring new opportunities. From Nakhchivan, we will be connected by rail to Iran’s railway network. Through us, Iran will also be able to access the Black Sea, for example. As a result, TRIPP creates a new rail link between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea,” he said.

The Armenian foreign minister added that TRIPP will also create opportunities for Russia.

“Many officials from Russia have shown interest in TRIPP and expressed a desire to participate,” Ararat Mirzoyan noted.

By Aghakazim Guliyev