ARMENPRESS: TRIPP project also serves Iran’s interests, Pashinyan says

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that the implementation of the TRIPP project would significantly expand trade and economic ties between Armenia and Iran while contributing to the establishment of a railway connection linking the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea.

Speaking to reporters after a government meeting on July 9, Pashinyan commented on remarks made a day earlier by Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami, who said Tehran had concerns about the TRIPP project.The prime minister said the initiative also serves the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.“By implementing the TRIPP project, we will open a railway connection from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea, significantly expanding trade and economic opportunities between Armenia and Iran. It will also substantially increase the trade and economic opportunities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The implementation of the TRIPP project sincerely and directly serves Iran’s interests,” Pashinyan said.The prime minister added that Armenia is ready to hold open and transparent discussions with Iran on the issue.

“We are transparent and ready to answer any questions. It should be clearly defined what the concerns are about. We are confident that all concerns can be addressed,” he said. According to Pashinyan, Armenia will continue working on the TRIPP project with all interested partners.“We will continue working with Iran, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the European Union, the countries of Central Asia and China, because this is a global project and we want to begin its implementation as soon as possible. I hope the first work on the ground will begin as early as this autumn,” he added.Speaking at a press conference on July 8, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami said Iran’s concerns over the direct presence of the United States near its borders were entirely legitimate and should be addressed.He added that the Armenian government had assured Tehran that implementation of the project would not create any threat or challenge to Iran stemming from a U.S. presence.

“We need to create a mechanism through which Armenia can fully realise its potential for unblocking regional communications, while at the same time clearly addressing concerns about possible risks or threats associated with a U.S. presence. The Armenia-Iran agenda should include managing the risks arising from the TRIPP project and eliminating potential challenges,” the ambassador said.