Pashinyan: Armenia will ensure unobstructed communication between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan

The meaning and practical significance of the joint statement on the framework for the implementation of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) is that peace is being established in Armenia and the region through very concrete and practical steps.

This was stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a government meeting on Thursday, January 15.

Recall that Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following a meeting held in Washington on January 13, published a joint statement on the framework for implementing the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP). The document defines a common mechanism for launching a project aimed at forming unhindered multimodal transit connectivity through the territory of Armenia, including connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and integration into the Trans-Caspian trade route.

"This has already become a reality. We need to take care of the established peace. As a state and as a society, we do not know what it means to live in peace. We are only gradually learning this, and it is a very important process. Peace is very slowly entering our consciousness, and this is normal," Pashinyan said.

He cited as good news the fact that the reality "on the ground" allows for establishing peace.

"Now agreements must be made. A company called TRIPP should be established in Armenia. Routes, development rights, land use, and construction permits must be determined. We need to prepare starting from today," Pashinyan emphasized.

He declared readiness to ensure unhindered communication between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, according to the previously stated principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction.

"We must abandon the logic of conflict. But this will not happen immediately, neither in Armenia nor in Azerbaijan. The wheel that has been spinning for more than 35 years cannot be stopped at once. The tangible benefits of peace can provide more than discussions about challenges and doubts. New times are coming, we must work more concentratedly to maximize this historic opportunity for the development, freedom, happiness, and well-being of Armenia and its citizens," Pashinyan said.