Armenia’s Ambassador’s Photo Op with Trump at the White House
Amb. Narek Mkrtchyan meets with President Donald Trump at the White House on Dec. 23
Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan hsd a photo op with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the embassy reported.
It took place during an event organized for newly appointed ambassadors. Mkrtchyan thanked Trump for “his consistent efforts to promote peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as for the historic agreement and documents signed at the White House on August 8.”
“President Trump congratulated the Armenian people, emphasizing that they deserve lasting peace, and reaffirmed his unconditional support for peace-oriented processes. The President also highlighted the leadership of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and underscored his significant role in advancing the peace process,” the embassy statement said.
As a sign of high appreciation, President Trump presented Prime Minister Pashinyan with a personally inscribed gift.
Earlier this week, Mrktchyan attended a roundtable about the Trump Route convened by the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce.
The closed-door discussion brought together ambassadors from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, senior U.S. government officials, and private-sector leaders to examine how TRIPP can accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen regional connectivity, and anchor a durable U.S. economic presence along the Middle Corridor.
“The August peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and facilitated by this Administration, created a historic opening. TRIPP is how we make that peace durable—by transforming a transit route into an engine of shared prosperity,” said Vinay Chawla, Office Director and Special Envoy for Peace Missions at the U.S. Department of State. “American companies and capital are essential to that vision, and this Administration is committed to ensuring they have a seat at the table.”
Participants emphasized that TRIPP represents a new generation of regional connectivity initiatives, distinguished by its public–private structure, business-driven approach, and focus on long-term commercial sustainability.
Ambassadors and senior diplomats from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan shared national perspectives on how TRIPP can complement development strategies, unlock cross-border synergies, and enhance the competitiveness of regional transit routes.
“The August Summit played a historic role in advancing the regional peace process,” said Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador the U.S.
“The principles of connectivity and cooperation have long been promoted by Azerbaijan, which has already established strong partnerships with Türkiye, Georgia, and Central Asian countries, providing a solid foundation to build upon. This momentum is real, and we must move swiftly. Ensuring the success of TRIPP as a core component of the Middle Corridor is essential,” Ibrahim added.
“It is thanks to President Trump’s leadership that we have been able to generate this momentum for peace and position TRIPP as a key element of our regional strategy,” said Mkrtchyan, the Armenian ambassador said.
“U.S. engagement will help translate this initiative into tangible benefits for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. I welcome the constructive engagement with our Azerbaijani colleagues and the fact that discussions are now advancing toward concrete development projects. This kind of practical cooperation is essential to delivering real economic and social outcomes.” Mkrtchyan added.
