Armenia and the United States have signed a framework agreement on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a major connectivity initiative to strengthen trade, transportation, and economic integration across the South Caucasus.

The agreement builds on the August 8, 2025 Washington declaration signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the presence of the U.S. president, with the stated goal of advancing lasting peace in the region.

According to the document, TRIPP is intended to establish “unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity” through Armenia while fully preserving Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction over all project areas. The project is expected to connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan while also strengthening Armenia’s own regional and international connectivity.

The agreement establishes a joint venture known as the TRIPP Development Company (TDC), in which a US entity linked to the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would hold a 74 percent stake and Armenia 26 percent. The ownership structure could be revised after an initial 49-year term, potentially raising Armenia’s share to 49 percent.

The TDC would oversee multiple infrastructure projects — including railways, roads, oil and gas pipelines, electricity infrastructure, and fiber-optic networks — delivered through special purpose vehicles (SPVs). The agreement grants the TDC and its subsidiaries broad powers, including land use and development rights, concession arrangements, and the authority to select contractors and operators for individual projects.

At the same time, the document repeatedly emphasizes that Armenia retains full sovereignty over customs, border control, security, law enforcement, taxation, and emergency response within its internationally recognized territory. The US also committed to supporting financing and investment mobilization for TRIPP projects, while Armenia agreed to facilitate legislation, licensing, and regulatory processes necessary for implementation.

The framework also envisions cooperation on modern border management systems and infrastructure security, while reaffirming that Armenian authorities maintain primary control over all border and customs functions.