Armenia and the United States reached an agreement on Monday, February 9th, to cooperate in the field of civilian nuclear energy. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on nuclear energy cooperation with U.S. Vice President Pence, who was visiting the country. This signifies America’s active efforts to establish influence in the South Caucasus region, which is considered within Russia’s sphere of influence.
Pence arrived in Armenia on Monday, becoming the first sitting U.S. Vice President to visit the country. He stated that the United States is prepared to export advanced computer chips and surveillance drones to Armenia, as well as invest in the country’s infrastructure development.
Pashinyan expressed that Pence’s visit holds true historical significance and carries great symbolic meaning, reflecting the deep strategic partnership between Armenia and the United States. He expressed gratitude to President Trump and Vice President Pence, mentioning his acceptance of an invitation to attend the inaugural meeting of the Trump Peace Commission on February 19 in Washington, which is responsible for overseeing the Gaza ceasefire plan.
According to Reuters, the U.S. and Armenia have completed negotiations on a “123 Agreement”, which allows the United States to legally authorize the use of nuclear technology and equipment in other countries.
Pence stated that this agreement will allow the initial export of up to $5 billion worth of products to Armenia from the United States. Additionally, the agreement includes future fuel and maintenance contracts, adding an additional value of $4 billion.
During a joint press conference with Pence, Pashinyan stated, “This agreement will mark the beginning of a new chapter in deepening energy cooperation between Armenia and the United States.”
Armenia has long heavily relied on energy supplied by Russia and Iran. Now, the country is reviewing proposals from companies in the U.S., Russia, China, France, and South Korea to construct a new nuclear reactor to replace its aging Metsamor nuclear power plant, which was built by Russia.
While Armenia has not made a final decision yet, Monday’s announcement paves the way for a U.S. project to be selected. This is a blow to Russia, as it historically viewed the South Caucasus as its sphere of influence, but its power in the region has diminished due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Political analyst Narek Sukiasyan of Yerevan said, “Considering Armenia’s multiple dependencies on Russia, expanding cooperation partners in the nuclear field is a political priority for the country. At the moment, the United States seems to be the preferred choice.”
Pence’s visit also aims to advance the “Trump International Peace and Prosperity Route” (TRIPP). This corridor plans to cover a distance of 27 miles (43 km), traversing the southern part of Armenia to provide Azerbaijan with a direct route to its Nakhchivan exclave, ultimately connecting Azerbaijan to its close ally, Turkey.
This route will better connect Asia and Europe. A key aspect for the United States is that it can bypass Russia and Iran. As Western countries actively seek to diversify energy and trade routes and reduce dependence on Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, this becomes particularly important.
The TRIPP corridor project includes the construction or upgrading of railway infrastructure, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber optic cables, which will fundamentally transform the long-troubled South Caucasus region characterized by closed borders and historical ethnic conflicts.
“We are not just bringing peace to Armenia,” Pence stated, “We are also jointly creating genuine prosperity for Armenia and the United States.”
Pence also endorsed Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan for re-election. He emphasized that Armenia is one of the oldest Christian countries in history, having declared Christianity as the state religion by King Tiridates III in AD 301.
Following his visit to Armenia, Pence is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan on Wednesday and Thursday.
Just six months ago, under U.S. mediation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan signed a peace agreement at the White House. The agreement offers hope for the two countries to end nearly 40 years of conflict, and pave the way for reopening key transportation corridors in the South Caucasus region that have been closed since the early 1990s, facilitating goods transport and eventual movement of people.