BY APPO JAPARIAN
Now, American Armenians and Americans with affinity towards Armenia have a historic opportunity to assist Armenia diversify its foreign economic, po- litical and military alliances. In the aftermath of the 2020 War, their efforts in en- couraging Washington and Yerevan to forge a strategic alliance fostering a strong economic, military, political alliance have started showing positive results. The Trump administration’s joint initiative with Yerevan has all the attributes to transform the Syunik Region into a mélange of Manhattan and Hong Kong of The South Caucasus. Armenia’s southern region of Syunik is the only land bridge in the entire region that effectively connects the global north with the global south. Because of the industriousness and resourcefulness of its people, Syunik can become the foundation of a modern-day Marco Polo superhighway and crossroads for global-level industrial and trade development. In August 2025 President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Nikol Pashin- yan signed various Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on economic and technological partnerships, like AI, semiconductors, and energy, establishing the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) project. In light of U.S.-Armenia strengthening of their strategic relations, Pres. Trump hosted PM Pashinyan and Azerbaijani Pres. Ilham Aliyev at the White House, where Pashinyan and Aliyev signed a historic Joint Declaration for Peace in the South Caucasus, brokered by Trump, aiming to end decades of conflict and establish formal relations, including a new transit corridor. In early January, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out a framework for the project as he met in Washington with the top diplomat of Armenia – Ar- menian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, whose government agreed to the plan. Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated in Washington, D.C. fol- lowing the publication of the joint statement on the Armenia–U.S. implementa- tion framework for the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) initiative, that TRIPP will be implemented under the full sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia—a point that is referenced several times in the docu- ments, including in the text of the joint statement itself. Mirzoyan also noted that a U.S. company will initially be responsible for TRIPP for a period of 49 years, with the possibility of an additional 50-year extension. Armenia will grant development rights for the implementation of the TRIPP project, but no Armenian land will be alienated as part of the process. “The distribution of shares reflects the scale of the countries’ investments. Arme- nia intends to offer the United States a 74 percent stake in the TRIPP develop- ment company, while retaining 26 percent for Armenia,” Mir- zoyan said. “It is no secret that the United States will make substantial investments—not only political, but also financial. Armenia’s primary contribution, broadly speaking, is the develop- ment right. I believe this is a fairly equitable distribution,” he added. According to Mirzoyan, the current arrangement applies to the initial 49- year period. “If the agreement is extended for another 50 years, the shareholding proportions will change, and the sides will become nearly equal,” the foreign minister said. Speaking with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Rubio said: “The TRIPP arrangement really is going to turn out to be a model for the world of how you can open yourself up to economic activity and prosperity without in any way questioning or undermining your sovereignty and your territorial integrity.” “It’s going to be great for Armenia, great for the United States, great for ev- eryone involved,” Rubio said. While the United States endeavors to develop trade and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia fostering lasting peace and prosperity for the region, Russia has been intransigent, insisting on remaining the main power broker. However, the people of the South Caucasus are mindful of misguided Russian imperial ambitions and manipulations triggering endless war and animosity be- tween the various nations of the South Caucasus. Apparently, now defunct ‘di- vide and conquer’ Kremlin policy is backfiring. In stark contrast with the Russian Federation, the United States under Presi- dent Donald J. Trump promotes peace and prosperity in the region. Especially promising is the establishment of a new U.S.-Armenia partnership under the name “TRIPP Development Company.” Any right-minded supporter of Armenia’s sovereignty, Independence, Defence, Economy and Democracy should contribute to the successful execution of the ARMENIAN CROSSROAD FOR PEACE now widely known as TRIPP – Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.