YEREVAN, June 30. /ARKA/. The TRIPP project in Armenia would pass through an area where Russian border guards serve alongside Armenian colleagues, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with RTVI.
“One way or another, Russia's opinion will need to be taken into account, as will the opinion of the Eurasian Economic Union. Therefore, we believe that the project would only benefit from Russian participation,” he said.
According to Galuzin, the road will likely need to be laid according to the width of the Russian gauge to ensure connection with Azerbaijan.
He also noted that Armenian railways are managed by the South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways.
“Transit through Armenia — by the way, regarding the Eurasian Economic Union — should be carried out in accordance with the norms and rules of the Eurasian Economic Union, from which Armenia, as it claims, does not want to withdraw,” Galuzin stated.
About the TRIPP project
The Armenian Foreign Ministry announced on June 4 that Armenia and the USA signed a framework document on TRIPP, which was initialed on May 26 during the visit of the US Secretary of State to Yerevan.
Earlier, the Board of Directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation approved the creation of TRIPP Development Company — a joint venture between the USA and Armenia. The company is intended to support trade, transport, and economic development in the Caucasus region, as well as expand international, intergovernmental, and domestic transport connectivity.
The Armenian authorities previously stated that TRIPP Development Company would receive the initial right to implement the project for a period of 49 years. It is planned to offer the USA 74% of the shares of the joint venture, while Armenia will retain 26%. In the event of an extension of the agreement for another 50 years, the ratio of shares is expected to change.
