Russian President Dmitry Medvedev submitted the protocol prolonging Russian military presence in Armenia to State Duma for ratification.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, last August Russia and Armenia signed an agreement prolonging the presence of the Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Armenia, until 2044.

During his state visit to Armenia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed amendments to a 1995 bilateral treaty extending Russia’s use of a military base near Armenia’s border with Turkey through 2044. The term of the 1995 deal on the base in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, had been extended from 25 to 49 years.

According to the amendments, besides defending Russia’s interests, the Russian military base in Armenia will also ensure Armenia’s security jointly with the Armenian armed forces. In addition, Russia is to assist Armenia in getting modern arms and military equipment.

On March 15, 2010, the Constitutional Court of Armenia confirmed the constitutionality of the document. Thereafter, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan submitted the document to parliament for ratification.

On April 12, by 80 to one, with one abstention, the Armenian parliament ratified the protocol prolonging Russian military presence in Armenia.

Russian military base stationed in Gyumri is operating as part of the CIS integrated air defense system.