Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan described the newly signed memorandum on cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth extraction and processing as a springboard for concrete investment projects and practical economic outcomes. He stressed it marks only a first step, to be followed by specific agreements, business partnerships, and investment initiatives.

Mirzoyan compared the process to the earlier Armenia–US memorandum on artificial intelligence and semiconductors signed in 2025, which was later followed by semiconductor imports and the expansion of AI-related infrastructure in Armenia. He noted that preliminary discussions regarding investments in critical minerals and rare earths are already underway, though still at an early stage.

Mirzoyan also noted that multiple countries and companies have shown interest in different components of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, including infrastructure construction, logistics, goods supply, and digital management systems. While he declined to name specific partners, he confirmed that exploratory discussions are ongoing.

Addressing regional concerns, particularly from Iran, Mirzoyan stressed that TRIPP does not envision the deployment of foreign military forces or any reduction of Armenian sovereignty. He emphasized that all infrastructure developed under the project will remain fully under Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, and said these clarifications helped ease Iranian concerns about possible security implications.

Mirzoyan also argued that TRIPP could create broader regional economic opportunities. He said the project would strengthen Armenia’s rail connectivity with Iran through Nakhchivan, potentially linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea through Armenian territory. He also noted that Russian officials and companies have expressed interest in participating in various components of the project.