The economic interest of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries can become a real guarantee for strengthening peace between the two countries. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan on Tuesday stated this during the National Assembly session debates on the draft law on the ratification of the framework agreement on strategic cooperation between Armenia and the US concerning the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) regional transport project.

In particular, Mirzoyan responded to criticism from opposition parliamentary factions, emphasizing that the TRIPP project has both economic and geopolitical significance.

According to the minister, its benefits for Armenia include both the railway communication through the North-South route, as well as the possibility of trade with Azerbaijan and access to third-country markets through that country.

As an example, Mirzoyan pointed to the possibility of having a more direct route for cargo transportation between Armenia and China.

The Armenian foreign minister added that the main investment burden within the framework of TRIPP will be borne by American partners.

Responding to questions about peace guarantees, Mirzoyan said that the signed documents have not always prevented wars. In his assessment, it is necessary to create a situation in which Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as other countries, will be interested in the uninterrupted operation of transport communications.

“Do you want guarantees? The real guarantee is interest. We [i.e. Armenia] should be interested, and Azerbaijan should be interested,” the Armenian foreign minister stated, adding that this interest should also be extended to other countries using the East-West transport corridor.