The document prolonging deployment of Russian base in Armenia enables two countries jointly struggle against threats, RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said in response to journalists’ question whether 5000- base in Gyumri can be responsible for security of all Armenian borders.

According to him, the protocol along with other military factors ensures Armenian-Russian political and military cooperation. The Minister noted that presently the Gyumri base undergoes certain reforms implying structural and functional changes. “After reforms are carried out we will implement the provisions of the protocol,” he said. The Defense Minister stressed that signing of an agreement is in Armenia’s interests, adding that new Russian bases will not be deployed in the republic.

The protocol prolonging deployment of Russian base in Gyumri was signed on the margins of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s state visit to Armenia.