Jason Epstein: Successful implementation of the TRIPP project could bring significant benefits to both Armenia and Azerbaijan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed satisfaction with the results of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Washington as part of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or Zangezur Corridor – ed.) project, which may indicate the continued momentum generated following the August trilateral summit between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, American political scientist Jason Epstein said in the latest episode of the "Azerbaijan and the World" program broadcast on the AZERTAC website.

The expert emphasized that such meetings are closely monitored in many capitals around the world, and their success could play a significant role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region. The expert cited the development of the TRIPP project as one of the key reasons the visit was perceived as a success. He recalled that following the visit, a special company, TDC (TRIPP Development Company – ed.), was established to oversee the operation and further development of the project.

According to the political scientist, the United States will hold a controlling stake in the project until at least 2075, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the project's success and its interest in the well-being of the peoples of the South Caucasus. “Construction is expected to begin mid-year, with an initial focus on rail infrastructure,” Epstein added.

He also noted that Baku is already building roads to the border with Armenia and modernizing existing rail lines.

The expert is confident that the successful implementation of the project could bring significant benefits to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the entire region.