The Armenian side is interested in expanding the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri and developing of its potential, Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan told RIA Novosti.

"The Armenian side has always been interested in this for the simple reason that the entire base is part of the joint grouping of troops (forces) of the Armed Forces of Armenia and Russia. Therefore, the expansion of the capacity of the base automatically implies the development of the potential of a collective security team working on a bilateral basis in the Caucasus region," the minister said.

According to him, "of course, the leadership of the Russian Defense Ministry takes into account the military and political realities in the region, and the right steps have been taken to strengthen and rearm the base."

"And I am convinced that this process will be long-term," Harutyunyan added.