RFE/RL: Armenia Courts Central Asia As TRIPP Corridor Takes Shape 

Armenia is courting Central Asia as it intensifies efforts to break ground on an ambitious trade corridor named after US President Donald Trump — the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or TRIPP, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty writes.

The proposed plan has the backing of Washington, but has riled Moscow and Tehran, two countries under heavy Western sanctions.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has in recent weeks pushed for the involvement of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. But both countries, observers say, are wary of angering Russia, a key political and economic player in Central Asia.

Pashinian discussed TRIPP with the leaders of Azerbaijan and India as well representatives from the United States during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek on September 1.

Kyrgyz official Daniyar Amangeldiev told RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service that the government had yet to receive an official proposal.

While the participation of potential regional partners remains uncertain, Armenia and the United States are moving ahead with plans to publicly launch the project.