Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has argued that shared economic interests can become a stronger practical guarantee of peace with Azerbaijan than documents alone. He presented connectivity and trade as mechanisms that raise the cost of renewed confrontation.
Mirzoyan spoke during a parliamentary debate on ratifying an Armenia-United States framework for strategic cooperation linked to the TRIPP transport initiative. The government describes the framework as both an economic project and a geopolitical opening.
A restored north-south railway could connect Armenia more efficiently to surrounding markets, while normal trade with Azerbaijan would create reciprocal commercial interests. Yerevan also expects access to third-country markets through Azerbaijani territory.
The proposed routes could shorten cargo connections between Armenia and China and strengthen east-west transit across the South Caucasus. Their value depends on reliable border procedures, infrastructure and rules that remain stable during political disputes.
Mirzoyan said much of the investment burden would fall on US partners, reducing immediate pressure on Armenia's public finances. That expectation still requires contracts, financing structures and clarity over ownership and operation of the infrastructure.
He rejected claims that the arrangement benefits only Azerbaijan. Armenia would gain reciprocal railway access and leverage from routes that other states also want to use, turning interdependence into a constraint on unilateral action.
The minister also acknowledged that signed documents do not prevent wars by themselves. Peace becomes more durable when companies, workers and governments have functioning links they would lose if borders close and transport corridors are attacked.
The strategy therefore carries both promise and exposure. Economic interdependence can reinforce reconciliation, but only if sovereignty, security, customs authority and dispute resolution are clearly protected so that connectivity does not create a new source of coercion.
