U.S. Appoints Director to Lead Joint Armenia Working Groups on Trump Route

The United States has appointed a director to oversee the activities of joint working groups that have been formed to develop and execute efforts for the so-called Trump route, which was agreed to in Washington in August.

Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker was in Armenia Monday to meet with government officials to discuss U.S.-Armenia relations and specifically efforts to advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—or TRIPP—a 27-mile stretch of road in Syunik Province that will allow Azerbaijan to link with Nakhichevan.

Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker meets with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Nov. 17
While meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday, Hooker highlighted the launch of U.S.-Armenia working groups, which she said will be led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter.

The visiting U.S. official explained that the working groups aimed at implementing the bilateral agreements adopted at the White House summit in August and advance TRIPP.

The Under Secretary of State told Pashinyan that the purpose of her visit to Yerevan was to advance the vision set out by President Donald Trump and Pashinyan during their August meetings.

Hooker added that her discussions in Yerevan were aimed deepen cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, regional connectivity, and security.

She emphasized that the continued cooperation between the United States and Armenia, combined with progress toward a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and normalization of relations with Turkey, promises to unlock the South Caucasus as a vital trade route.

Hooker said the effort will create significant benefits for both the American and Armenian peoples.

During the meeting, Pashinyan and the U.S. delegation discussed issues related to the implementation of the agreements and upcoming projects.

Pashinyan told Hooker that cooperation between Armenia and the U.S. has recently risen to a new level, claiming that the new level of partnership is being perceived positively both within the government and by the Armenians.

“The prime minister attached importance to the agreements reached within the framework of the Peace Summit held in Washington on August 8 and the work on their implementation, in accordance with the planned schedule. The Prime Minister also emphasized the fact of a rich agenda formed in bilateral relations with the US, which includes various spheres and directions,” said a statement from Pashinyan’s office