Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated in an interview with Polish TV channel TVP World that the construction of a railway line between Armenia and Azerbaijan could take at least two years.

He emphasized that Yerevan is keen on the early establishment and restoration of this connection, as Armenia would be one of the main beneficiaries. The railway would allow Armenia to utilize Azerbaijan’s territory and infrastructure for transporting cargo.

The proposed railway is part of the broader "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project, a U.S.-brokered initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. The TRIPP corridor will link Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia’s Syunik province. The United States plans to lease the land for 99 years and sublease it to a consortium responsible for developing rail, oil, gas, and fiber optic infrastructure along the 43-kilometer route.

Mirzoyan noted that discussions with American partners regarding the TRIPP project are ongoing, and he anticipates that the process can be completed in the coming months, after which construction should commence. He reiterated Armenia's interest in constructing and opening ties with Azerbaijan as soon as possible, highlighting the mutual benefits of the project.

While Armenia is preparing for the construction of the railway, Azerbaijan has made significant progress. Azerbaijan has completed two-thirds of the railway to the Zangezur Corridor, which is part of the broader TRIPP initiative. The future Azerbaijani railway to Armenia, running between Horadiz and Aghband, will serve as the eastern access route to the key Zangezur Corridor.

The TRIPP project is expected to facilitate trade, energy transit, and regional connectivity, including rail lines, oil/gas pipelines, fiber optic cables, and roadways. It is seen as a significant step toward regional cooperation and economic integration between Armenia and Azerbaijan. (ILKHA)