“Trump Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” Could Boost Regional Connectivity and Cooperation

According to Saed News quoting ISNA, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a peace agreement on Friday at the White House in the presence of the U.S. President. The pact enables the creation of a transit corridor called the “Trump Corridor for Peace and International Prosperity,” connecting Azerbaijan through Armenian territory to Nakhchivan.

Addressing concerns that the corridor might alter Armenia’s relations with Russia, Pashinyan remarked, “Do you know what this project could change in Armenia-Russia relations? With this project, Armenia gains a rail connection to Russia, something we have lacked for 30 years. By this logic, we can establish this rail connection both through Trump’s corridor and independently, as it could also be via the Georgia-Azerbaijan route. Another scenario could also provide a rail connection. It should be noted that Armenia’s railways are controlled by Russia, which might be interested in investing in the revival of the Ijevan-Hrazdan railway and the Ijevan-Kazakhstan railway lines, although Azerbaijan’s consent is also essential here.”

The Armenian Prime Minister further emphasized that this project also establishes a rail connection between Armenia and Iran, which is very important.

He added, “We are creating a rail link with Central Asia. China is also building a new rail route to the West, which does not exist currently. Therefore, the outlook is very significant. There is an interpretation that this may pose problems for the interests of Russia or Iran, but let’s look at it from another perspective, and perhaps this project can become a good opportunity to initiate economic cooperation between Iran and the United States, Russia, and the United States.”

Pashinyan also stated, “Let us not forget that an Iranian company is building the North-South highway. We will soon begin railway construction in the Meghri section, which can also create important cooperation opportunities. What I mean is that this project can additionally become a place for some unexpected but positive partnerships and justify being called a ‘Crossroads of Peace’ because countries that may have problems can find the opportunity for cooperation in Armenia and the South Caucasus.”

After signing the agreement at the White House on Friday, the Armenian Prime Minister said, “Today, with the peace agreement with Azerbaijan, we have made an important achievement and laid the foundations for a new history between the two countries.”

He further described the peace deal with Azerbaijan as “a great deal,” emphasizing, “The peace agreement with Azerbaijan will make the world a better place. This agreement is a great deal for peace and will have a positive impact on the region and the world. Moreover, we will be able to achieve peace and prosperity with the United States.”