BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The U.S. is
leasing the Trump Route between Armenia and Azerbaijan for 49
years, Trend
reports.
This is reflected in the document defining the implementation procedure
of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
project issued by the Armenian Foreign Ministry.
The document was presented based on the results of the meeting
held on January 13 in Washington between Armenian Foreign Minister
Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This document doesn't create legally binding obligations for
Armenia or the U.S. and is of a framework nature.
According to the text, the TRIPP framework describes the
mechanism for launching multimodal transit connectivity passing
through the territory of Armenia. The project is presented as an
infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring seamless transit,
connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic, and forming a key link in the Trans-Caspian
trade route.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry noted that the implementation of
the project is based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial
integrity, and reciprocity. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the
security and economic development of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as
well as to expand regional trade and transit opportunities between
Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and Europe.
Key provisions for the implementation of the
project:
Establishment of a TRIPP development
company
It's planned to form a structure in which the U.S. will have a
controlling stake, and Armenia will have control mechanisms on key
issues.
Terms and participation shares
A model with the right to build and operate for a period of 49
years is being considered, with the possibility of an additional
extension for another 50 years. At the initial stage, the U.S. is
offered a 74% share, and Armenia - 26%. In the event of an
extension of the term, the prospect of increasing Armenia's share
to 49% was noted.
Agreement on the ownership
structure
Any changes in the composition of shareholders and final
beneficiaries must be agreed in advance with the governments of
Armenia and the U.S.
Exclusive rights over
infrastructure
The company will have the right to plan, build, operate, and
service railways and highways within the transit routes, as well as
related energy and digital infrastructure.
Revenues and sources of financing
Possible sources of revenue include infrastructure access fees,
commercial activities along the route, real estate leases and
development, service fees, as well as revenues from special purpose
entities.
Sovereignty and control
A separate section emphasized that Armenia retains the following
powers:
Armenia will retain the following powers within its territory:
legislative, regulatory, and judicial jurisdiction; control over
national security and law enforcement activities; and authority
over customs and border control, as well as the collection of
taxes, duties, and other mandatory payments.
Border and customs procedures
The framework agreement foresees the implementation of a
"front-office – back-office" model. Private operators working under
contract with the company can carry out customer functions (such as
document collection, consulting, coordination, and processing of
payments). However, final decisions regarding customs clearance,
security, migration, and law enforcement will remain under the
jurisdiction of the Armenian state authorities. The framework
specifically emphasized that the transfer of sovereign functions is
not foreseen.
At the same time, the implementation of risk-based inspections,
digital customs and border systems, "single window" mechanisms,
pilot projects for pre-clearance, and electronic document
circulation, as well as plans for staff training with U.S. support,
where resources are available, are also outlined.
Complex border management
Armenia plans to continue applying modern complex border management
practices. The United States may provide technical assistance in
this process, including:
- Risk-based inspection and customs clearance procedures;
- Modern inspection technologies;
- Digital customs and border systems;
- Inter-agency coordinated processes;
- Development of professional skills for Armenian civil
servants.
Pilot projects
Armenia plans to implement pilot projects aimed at optimization in
the following areas:
- Pre-clearance customs procedures;
- Digital document circulation and processing;
- 'Single-stop' concept at border-crossing points;
- Risk assessment through the application of technologies;
- Coordinated border management with neighboring countries.
On August 8, 2025, in Washington, President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft “Agreement on the
Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the
Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia”.
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