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The economic interests of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries can become a real guarantee of consolidating peace between the two countries, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan said.
Mirzoyan made the remarks in parliament during the debate on the bill to ratify the Armenia–U.S. Framework Agreement on Strategic Cooperation concerning TRIPP.
Mirzoyan responded to criticism from opposition factions, emphasizing that the agreement has both economic and geopolitical significance.
He said the benefits for Armenia include a north–south railway connection, the possibility of trade with Azerbaijan, and access to the markets of third countries through Azerbaijan.
“With this, at least in terms of railways, Armenia connects its north to its south, is able to trade with Azerbaijan, and connects with third countries through Azerbaijan,” Mirzoyan said.
As an example, he cited the possibility of a more direct route for cargo transportation between Armenia and China. The minister also noted that the investment burden of TRIPP would be borne primarily by American partners.
Addressing questions about guarantees of peace, Mirzoyan stressed that signed documents alone have not always prevented wars. In his assessment, a situation must be created in which Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries all have an interest in the normal operation of communications.
“You want a guarantee; the real guarantee is interest—that we have an interest, that Azerbaijan has an interest,” he said, adding that this interest should also extend to other countries using the east–west communications route.
Mirzoyan dismissed concerns that TRIPP could operate in Azerbaijan’s interests without ensuring Armenia’s interests.
“How can a train travel from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and not continue for us along that same route? Either they will cut it off, or we will, right, if the interests of one of us are violated?” the minister said.