Marco Rubio Visits Armenia and Signs Transport Corridor Agreement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid a brief visit to Yerevan, during which a framework agreement on cooperation under the “Trump Route” project was initialed.
The official program of the top U.S. diplomat was limited to the territory of Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport. At the airport, Rubio held a short meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. In addition to the transport corridor agreement, the parties signed a strategic partnership charter and a framework document regulating cooperation in the supply of rare-earth metals. Following a brief press appearance, the U.S. Secretary of State departed the country.
The key document of the meeting, the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” project, is aimed at reopening regional transport links. In particular, the initiative envisages the creation of a logistics route through Armenian territory that would connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
At the same time, the rapid rapprochement between Yerevan and Washington has raised serious concerns in Moscow. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously stated that Western countries are attempting to draw Armenia into their sphere of influence by promoting the prospect of the country’s future accession to the European Union, creating long-term risks for traditional alliances in the region.
The Russian side emphasizes that Armenia’s leadership is seeking closer integration with European structures while simultaneously attempting to preserve the economic benefits of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Experts note that such political moves could significantly destabilize the balance of power in the South Caucasus.
ORIENT
