Moscow is ready to discuss the prospects for expanding military cooperation within the framework of the inventory of bilateral ties proposed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated this during Tuesday’s press briefing, answering the question about Russia’s military cooperation with Armenia.

Zakharova noted that the Russian side proceeds from the fact that the traditional cooperation between Moscow and Yerevan in this domain, as well as the “rhythmic work of shared mechanisms,” correspond to the interests of both countries.

“The Russian military base located in [Armenia’s] Gyumri [city] is one of the bearing elements of the security architecture of both Armenia and the entire South Caucasus, especially since at the moment there is simply no tangible alternative.

The presence of the Russian contingent in Armenia is regulated by relevant bilateral agreements, and we intend to maintain them and expect that official Yerevan also has the same approach,” the Russian MFA spokesperson added.