Aryeh Lightstone: US says peace deal helped reset ties with Azerbaijan, Armenia

The initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, along with agreements on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, has allowed the United States to reset relations with Baku and Yerevan, Aryeh Lightstone, senior adviser to the US special envoy for peace missions, said in an interview with CIVILNET.

"The US used this as a moment to restart or to re-energize our bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia," Lightstone said.

He noted that no armed incidents between the sides have been recorded since the signing of the agreements. Instead, the parties have learned to cooperate, including in developing trade and economic ties.

According to Lightstone, stronger US relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia will contribute to a more sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. He said regional prosperity increases the chances of lasting peace, which is also reflected in the name of the TRIPP logistics project designed to connect Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Lightstone said the US has already allocated $201 million for the implementation of the project, describing the amount as a starting point rather than a limit for future investment cooperation.

He added that the approach differs from previous US administrations, as Washington seeks strategic partners that can use their geographic position as an advantage for economic development and cooperation.