TRIPP seen as central to Middle Corridor, says Azerbaijani ambassador

Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States, stated that TRIPP's (Trump Route) success as a key pillar of the Middle Corridor is vital.

He made these remarks during a high-level Ambassadorial Roundtable on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), organised by the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), which was also attended by Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing USACC.

The gathering brought together ambassadors from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as top US government and business representatives.

The closed-door meeting united ambassadors from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, senior US officials, and private-sector leaders to explore how TRIPP can boost infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity, and establish a lasting US economic footprint along the Middle Corridor.

Vinay Chawla, Office Director and Special Envoy for Peace Missions at the US Department of State, said that the August peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, facilitated by the Administration, created a historic opening. He added that TRIPP ensures the durability of that peace by transforming the transit route into an engine of shared prosperity. 

“American companies and capital are essential to that vision, and this Administration is committed to ensuring they have a seat at the table,” Chawla noted.

On his part, Khazar Ibrahim highlighted that the August Summit played a historic role in advancing the regional peace process.

"The principles of connectivity and cooperation have long been promoted by Azerbaijan, which has already established strong partnerships with Türkiye, Georgia, and Central Asian countries, providing a solid foundation to build upon. This momentum is real, and we must move swiftly. Ensuring the success of TRIPP as a core component of the Middle Corridor is essential," the ambassador noted.

Meanwhile, Narek Mkrtchyan emphasised that US engagement will help turn the initiative into tangible benefits for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond.

"I welcome the constructive engagement with our Azerbaijani colleagues and the fact that discussions are now advancing toward concrete development projects. This kind of practical cooperation is essential to delivering real economic and social outcomes," he said.

TRIPP is a strategic regional infrastructure initiative that connects mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic exclave through Armenia’s Syunik region.

Launched on August 8, 2025, in Washington, the project was formalised with a declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, alongside US President Donald Trump. TRIPP aims to serve as both a peace-building mechanism and a key logistics corridor.

The project encompasses new railways and roads, oil and gas pipelines, fibre-optic networks, and electricity transmission lines. Its overarching goal is to integrate South Caucasus nations into the “Middle Corridor” trade route linking Europe and Asia, boosting regional transit, trade, and economic diversification.

By Jeyhun Aghazada