Hungarian expert believes "Crossroads of Peace" and "TRIPP" could bring major benefits to South Caucasus

Senior research fellow Péter Kránitz of the Hungarian University of International Relations believes that the Crossroads of Peace and Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) projects could bring significant benefits to the entire South Caucasus region. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of balancing the interests of Russia and Iran to avoid creating new tensions.

Kránitz shared his views in an interview with Armenpress, commenting on the peace agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8 and its potential role in achieving lasting regional stability.

“Indeed, the signing of the peace agreement is an incredibly important step. Both governments have recognized each other’s territorial integrity and borders in the presence of the U.S. President, declaring their intention for a peaceful settlement. I believe this is the most important step toward establishing regional peace and stability,” the Hungarian expert said.

However, Kránitz noted that the operational mechanisms of the TRIPP project, part of the Washington agreements, remain unclear. “It is still unknown how long and in what form this project should be implemented. From a Hungarian perspective, we would like TRIPP to maintain a very delicate balance of power, because if it irritates Iran or Russia too much, it could become a new source of tension in the region.”

He added that it is now up to the U.S. administration and Armenian diplomacy to design a pragmatic engagement system. “TRIPP should not only serve as an East-West link but also unite all regional connectivity projects - North-South, as well as intra-regional initiatives involving Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. If implemented carefully, it could be mutually beneficial for the entire region,” Kránitz said.

Kránitz also highlighted the Crossroads of Peace project, of which TRIPP is planned to be a part. He believes that connecting previously abandoned infrastructures from the Soviet era would greatly benefit the development of South Caucasus countries.

"Now the South Caucasus is not really a region where there are closed borders, historical conflicts and wars that are devastating the region. While it will take time for people who have lost family members, friends, to heal, at the state level, establishing peace and normalizing economic relations can pave the way for physical connectivity—railways, pipelines, and roads,” the expert said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, US President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a declaration in Washington on August 8, the fourth point of which, in particular, stipulates:

"The Republic of Armenia will work with the United States of America and mutually determined third parties, to set forth a framework for the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) connectivity project in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. We confirm our determination to pursue efforts in good faith to achieve this goal in the most expeditious manner."