Peace Deal Sealed Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
This week, Vice President J.D. Vance met with Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, solidifying what President Donald Trump described as a “historic” peace agreement between the two nations. The aim was to advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) program and establish a nuclear and technology partnership with Armenia, while also reinforcing the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship. It seems Vance successfully met his objectives.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are positioned on the Intermediate Corridor, an alternative trade path that connects China and Southeast Asia to Europe, effectively circumventing Russia and Iran. The TRIPP corridor, envisioned by Trump in August, is particularly significant as these countries have faced conflict for nearly three decades. Once completed, this corridor will stretch about 44 miles through southern Armenia, allowing Azerbaijan access to territories that have been contentious. This would provide a vital link in the corridor, which is seen as a more feasible route.
The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a longstanding source of conflict since World War I. Tensions reignited after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, as Soviet leader Joseph Stalin designated it as an Azerbaijani enclave in 1923, despite its predominantly Armenian population. After having control since the 1990s, Armenia lost significant territory following a large-scale offensive by Azerbaijan in 2023, which forced over 100,000 Armenians to flee. If the corridor comes to fruition, it could symbolize a new era of peace.
Recently, priority is being given to a private U.S. firm, TRIPP Development Company, to oversee the construction and operation of the infrastructure, while ensuring that Armenia retains control over customs, taxation, and security within its borders. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev both indicated that they believe the peace established in August is approaching a pivotal moment for enduring resolution.
During joint press conferences, Vance emphasized the necessity for collaborative dialogue, stating, “Peace isn’t created by those who linger on the past. It requires a focus on what lies ahead.” He mentioned that the TRIPP initiative would foster increased trade relations between Armenia and its neighbors.
The agreement also includes provisions for defense cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and improving infrastructure, all while expanding U.S. influence in the region. Vance announced that the U.S. will grant Armenia an export license allowing access to NVIDIA chip technology, which he believes will boost Armenian tech capabilities and create jobs back in the U.S.
A civil nuclear cooperation framework was also established, permitting joint projects involving nuclear technology, which Vance claimed is mutually beneficial and may provide substantial export opportunities for the U.S. The Vice President revealed an $11 million deal to supply surveillance drone technology to Armenia too, suggesting that the partnership not only promises peace but also shared prosperity.
On February 10, Vance and Aliyev formalized their alliance by signing a charter promoting their strategic partnership. This agreement aims to facilitate similar nuclear collaboration with Azerbaijan and further the region’s industrial development while reducing reliance on adversarial nations.
During a press conference, Vance highlighted that Azerbaijan is an undervalued ally in the global fight against terrorism, referencing America’s long-term support throughout various conflicts. He argued that the TRIPP initiative would not only reinforce peace but also promote shared prosperity between the two nations and the United States.
Vance is expected to return to Washington D.C. on February 11.
