Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during an interview with Public Television that the visit of U.S. Vice President James D. Vance produced the expected results for the Armenian government, adding that the visit places Armenia “in the center of global attention.”
“It’s very important that the U.S. investment community’s attention is being further drawn to the opportunities currently open and emerging in Armenia,” he said.
Addressing the debate over the large investment figures mentioned by Vance, Pashinyan said those numbers demonstrate the U.S. government’s political will to support investment in Armenia.
“These large figures must now be translated into specific projects, addresses, and locations,” he said.
Speaking about TRIPP, the long-term U.S. political and investment initiative, Pashinyan said that it reflects trust in Armenia’s future.
“The United States will lead this investment activity. We need to understand the concept of ‘front office’ and ‘back office’ — the front office might have no staff at all, just artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art equipment. Its main function might be maintaining that technology,” he said.
When asked if the same mechanism will apply to Azerbaijan, Pashinyan responded: “TRIPP is an investment program implemented in the Republic of Armenia. There is no TRIPP in Azerbaijan, so I can’t comment on what will happen there.”
He clarified that in both countries, border crossings and other arrangements will operate within the framework of each state’s laws, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction. Mutual access to transportation and communication routes will be ensured under reciprocal terms.
According to Pashinyan, ownership shares will shift after 50 years, with Armenia eventually holding 49 percent. “We’re talking about billions in investment. These funds must be recouped, and profits made. Every investor, in Armenia or elsewhere, wants guarantees their money will be returned,” he noted.
The Prime Minister revealed that the original proposed TRIPP term was 99 years. “We were hesitant at first — 99 years raised some discomfort among our team. But then we realized: the United States is committing to invest in Armenia for 99 years. The world’s number one superpower is saying Armenia will exist for the next 99 years as an independent, sovereign state, at peace, with a healthy investment climate. I think we must truly appreciate this moment,” Pashinyan concluded.
