PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) held a high-level ambassadors' roundtable on theTrump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), emphasizing the initiative's central role in the U.S.'s renewed involvement in Central Eurasia. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to Factor.am.
The closed-door meeting also included representatives from other South Caucasus and Central Asian nations, senior officials from various U.S. government agencies, and private sector leaders. Discussions centered on how TRIPP can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen the U.S.'s long-term economic presence along the Middle Corridor.
"The August peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by this administration, opened a historic route. TRIPP is how we turn that peace into permanence - turning a transit route into a driver of joint prosperity. American companies and capital are key to that vision, and this administration is committed to ensuring they have a seat at the negotiating table," said Vinay Chawla, Director of the State Department's Office and Special Envoy for Peace Missions.
At the launch of the TRIPP initiative, USACC Executive Director Natig Bakhishov stated that the program goes beyond traditional transit models, integrating infrastructure investments, regulatory alignment, and private sector involvement under a unified strategic approach. He noted that TRIPP has become the cornerstone of U.S. engagement in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, delivering market-based solutions for regional integration and connectivity for the first time in a decade.
Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan shared perspectives on how TRIPP could complement national development plans, foster cross-border collaboration, and improve the competitiveness of regional transport corridors.
"Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we created this engine for peace, and TRIPP has become a key element of our regional strategy. U.S. involvement will help convert this initiative into tangible benefits for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. I welcome the constructive cooperation with our Azerbaijani colleagues and the fact that discussions are moving toward specific development projects. This kind of practical partnership is vital for achieving real economic and social outcomes," said Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia's Ambassador to the U.S.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim emphasized 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 already has strong partnerships with Turkey, Georgia, and Central Asian countries, laying a firm foundation for development. The momentum is real, and we must act swiftly. Ensuring TRIPP's success as a core element of the Middle Corridor is crucial," said the Azerbaijani diplomat.
The discussions also highlighted the role of U.S. institutions, particularly the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), in funding projects, boosting trade, and reducing investment risks. Private sector participants, including Google, Bechtel, and Tetra Tech, along with regional trade associations, shared their experiences and expressed growing interest in the commercial and investment opportunities presented by TRIPP and related initiatives.
USACC reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining active dialogue among U.S. government bodies, regional governments, and the private sector to ensure TRIPP's effective implementation and lasting impact.
In August, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and U.S. President Donald Trump officially agreed to launch the Trump Route.
"The corridor allows Azerbaijan to reach Nakhichevan while fully respecting Armenia's sovereignty. Armenia is also establishing an exclusive partnership with the U.S. to develop this corridor, which may be extended up to 99 years, with promises to renew for another 99 years. We anticipate major infrastructure developments - American companies are eager to enter these markets and invest heavily, which will bring economic benefits to all three nations," Trump stated.
On September 11, Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia did not lease land to the U.S. for 99 years, but rather granted a construction right.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
