Moscow ready to expand military cooperation with Yerevan: Russian Foreign Ministry recalls key role of 102nd base for Armenia’s security

Russia intends to comply with its agreements with Armenia on the military base in Gyumri and expects a similar approach from Yerevan, said Maria Zakharova, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. According to her, the presence of the Russian military contingent in Armenia is regulated by existing agreements, and Moscow is ready to discuss expanding military cooperation.

“The military base in Gyumri plays a key role in Armenia’s security, and no alternative to it is in sight. The base is one of the load-bearing elements of the security architecture of both Armenia and the South Caucasus as a whole,” the diplomat stressed.

Earlier, Vilen Gabrielyan, Chairman of the Armenian parliament’s Defense and Security Committee and a member of the ruling “Civil Contract” party, said Armenia could raise the cost of land rent for the Russian base if the price of gas from Russia goes up. According to him, such a recalculation is possible since the upkeep of the facility is largely financed by Armenia.

Prior to that, Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov noted that without the Russian Armed Forces’ 102nd base, Armenia risks losing its status as an independent state. According to him, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan understands this and is trying to push Moscow toward a voluntary troop withdrawal.