
ArmInfo. The draft law "On Ratification of the Framework Agreement on Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States of America within the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Project" was discussed at a meeting of the Armenian Parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on October 21. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will be the keynote speaker on the draft law at the parliamentary committee.
At the beginning of his speech, the minister mentioned the declaration adopted at the Washington Peace Summit on August 8, 2025, which formalized the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The importance of opening transport infrastructure between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also noted, with the understanding that these links will be opened based on the sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan and will become an important hub for passenger and freight transport from east to west.
"On January 13, 2026, Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a document entitled the 'TRIPP Implementation Framework Agreement.'" There had been considerable speculation surrounding the project. This document on the project's implementation eloquently and decisively dispelled many concerns. Following this document, negotiations continued, and this agreement was signed by Armenia and the United States," the diplomat noted, adding that the agreement had completed all necessary procedures.
Referring to several provisions of the document, Mirzoyan spoke about its geopolitical and direct benefits, emphasizing the lifting of the blockade against Armenia, unprecedented economic opportunities it had never experienced, Armenia's ties with both the East and the West, the strengthening of peace, and other important circumstances.
"Any infrastructure that will function, any relations that will be established, will be implemented fully and in detail based on or within the framework of several fundamental principles. These principles are familiar to all of you: sovereignty, territorial integrity, jurisdiction." "As for the infrastructure located on our territory, naturally, the absolute jurisdiction, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia will be preserved," Mirzoyan emphasized, reiterating that the Republic of Armenia's sovereignty over infrastructure and processes is preserved.
He presented the provisions of the document, according to which the Republic of Armenia retains full sovereignty and jurisdiction over its borders and customs operations, undertakes to ensure effective border management, and has the right to maintain a physical presence at all its border control points.
According to him, Armenia, in accordance with its domestic legislation and international agreements, continues to be responsible for the following: activities in the field of security and law enforcement; border control and border security; customs and migration control; transfer of taxes and duties to the state budget; Information systems and public administration and oversight.
Mirzoyan also raised a number of questions regarding the management of TRIPP, the distribution of its shares, and clarified a number of circumstances.
"The distribution of shares will be carried out as follows: the United States will own 74% of the company's shares, and Armenia will own 26%. This agreement will be in effect for 49 years. The parties can extend their legal relationship, in which case Armenia's share will immediately reach 49%, while the US share will reach 51%," he recalled.
During the question-and-answer session, as well as presentations, numerous substantive and technical issues were discussed, including the possibility of legislative amendments to implement the agreement, economic benefits in the event of transit, infrastructure security, Armenia's rights in emergency situations, the progress of TRIPP construction, the issue of the simultaneity of the peace process and TRIPP implementation, the organization of border crossings, military-political, geopolitical, and other issues.
"Azerbaijan will receive the right of passage through the territory of the Republic of Armenia to Nakhichevan, and Azerbaijan will connect with third countries through our territory. The Republic of Armenia will receive mutual benefits from using Azerbaijani territory for connections, for example, by rail, from Yeraskh to Meghri and from north to south, and for connecting with third countries via infrastructure through Azerbaijani territory. "This is reciprocity," he assured, without providing clear answers to a number of questions raised by the opposition.
At the end of the discussions, Committee Chairman Sargis Khandanyan called the draft fundamental in terms of strategic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the United States, as there is no such cooperation between the two countries. "The world's leading superpower is preparing for large-scale investments, and a century-long future is opening up for Armenia," the Committee Chairman noted.
Following the discussions, the Committee gave a positive opinion on the draft law. It will be included on the agenda of the upcoming plenary session of Parliament, scheduled for next week.