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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