Economy minister on Russia’s possible participation in TRIPP project: It has two parties – the US and Armenia

At the moment, if we add the $120 million loan investment in the Vorotan hydro-cascade, which is in progress, add the TRIPP—about $200 million, add NVIDIA, which is $500 million and more, add nuclear energy, then there are investment programs worth $1 billion, which are very tangible, some of which are even in progress. Economy minister Gevorg Papoyan on Monday told this to reporters at the National Assembly of Armenia.

Regarding the remark that there is talk of the US being interested in uranium mines in southern Armenia, the minister said: “This is unprecedented in the history of Armenia. Are new investment projects possible? Of course. Many are wanted, and we would like to see [them]. But the US Vice President [JD Vance] will come [to Armenia], there will be negotiations. I do not have any other details, including regarding your question.”

In connection with the fact that US President Donald Trump on Sunday signed a decree that may impose tariffs on all countries—including Armenia—that trade with Iran, Papoyan said that this matter will definitely be discussed during Vance’s visit to Yerevan.

“We [i.e. Armenia] had approximately $50 million in exports to the US last year, and these products will lose their competitiveness if the tariff becomes 25 from 10 [percent]. But, at least I learned about it from the press. The Ministry of Economy [of Armenia] has not received anything from the US. Secondly, we will see how the implementation will be; naturally, discussions will take place with partner countries. All matters will be discussed with Vance. I assure you that there are more important and more interesting matters on the agenda. That is also important, but there are more important matters,” the Armenian economy minister said.

Regarding the reports that a modular nuclear power plant of the American model will be built in Armenia, Papoyan said that respective discussions are underway with various countries, including the US. “Armenia will choose the option that will be most consistent with its state interests,” Papoyan added.

When asked whether the topic of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan will also be discussed with Vance, the economy minister responded: “I believe that all matters that may be on the Armenian-American agenda will be discussed.”

Referring to the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Papoyan said: “TRIPP is already gone; no one can hinder TRIPP anymore.”

Regarding whether Russia can participate in TRIPP, he said: “There are two parties in TRIPP: the US and Armenia.”

Also, the Armenian economy minister stated that there will be no anti-Iranian matter within the framework of Vance’s upcoming visit.