The Trump Route: A Fresh Start for Transit and Independence in the South Caucasus

A major change is happening in the South Caucasus. The United States and Armenia are starting the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). After a meeting in Washington between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, details of this big project are out. It could change the area's politics and economy.

The main piece of TRIPP is the TRIPP Development Company. This group will have the job of building and running the transit system. The United States will own 74% of the company, showing how much money and political support they are putting in. Armenia will own 26%.

This partnership is meant to last. It starts with a 49-year period and can be extended for 50 more years. As the project makes money, Armenia could increase its share to 49%. This would make the ownership more balanced.

The plan is to build a transit link through Armenia's Syunik area. This will join Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan area. TRIPP wants to be an important part of the Trans-Caspian trade route, helping goods and people move across borders. The company will take care of building and running railways, roads, and power lines. It will make money from transit fees for almost 100 years.

To keep things running well, private companies can be hired to handle daily tasks. This includes making the transit experience better with electronic documents and easier fee collection for cargo and travelers.

One of the most important parts of the project is balancing free access with national independence. The route should be easy to use, but Armenia will still have full control over its borders. Armenian officials will be at all border and customs locations. They will have the final say on immigration and customs.

Secretary Marco Rubio said that the project will help Armenia do business without risking its land. This is important to Azerbaijan, where President Ilham Aliyev wants people traveling between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan to avoid border delays. TRIPP plans to use technology to avoid physical contact between Armenian officers and Azerbaijani travelers. This should make everyone happy.

That the route goes along Armenia's border with Iran has gotten some attention in Iran. Officials there are not sure about a possible U.S. security presence. Also, the Armenian opposition worries about Armenia losing control over the Syunik area.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan said that TRIPP is a business project between the U.S. and Armenia. But he added that regional communication involves countries like Turkey and Russia. Russia is not directly involved in this project, but Armenia is open to having them help rebuild regional railway lines if everyone agrees.

TRIPP is more than just a road or railway. It is a link to create stability through economic ties. By using American money, Armenian land, and Azerbaijani transit needs, the Trump Route hopes to change a conflict area into a place of success. People will be watching to see if this peace through trade idea can last.