“The TRIPP program will bring a radical transformation to this region. Nevertheless, I would say that a new world will open up here in terms of international trade, transit, and energy flows,” U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said today, February 9, during a joint statement in Yerevan with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“It will ensure unprecedented connectivity between Armenia and its neighboring countries. This is excellent not only for the prosperity of the Armenian people, but will also contribute to the peace process. When you connect the energy sector, the economy, and other areas, it promotes peace. We do not simply want to make peace—we want to build peace, and we want that built peace to endure,” he said.

Vance also noted that the TRIPP fund envisages a significant inflow of private capital into the region in order to create interconnectedness.

Earlier, NEWS.am reported that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Armenia on February 9 for an official visit with his wife, Usha Vance. At Zvartnots Airport, they were welcomed by the President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, and Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Narek Mkrtchyan.

The American delegation also includes Jacob Helberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs. Upon arriving in Armenia, he posted: “Next stop — Yerevan, Armenia.”