Russia’s upper house of parliament, Federation Council, ratified on Wednesday the protocol extending Russia’s use of a military base in the Armenian city of Gyumri, RIA Novosti reports.

Head of Council’s committee for defense and security Viktor Ozerov said that ratification of the protocol, which is in Russia’s interests, will also contribute to further strengthening of military and political cooperation between the two countries.

The protocol was ratified in the Armenian Parliament on April 12 by 80 to one with one abstention.  

Under the document, Russia is to supply modern military equipment to Armenia. The document highlights the prolongation of the Russian military base’s presence in Armenia from 25 up to 49 years.

Last August, Russia and Armenia signed an agreement prolonging the presence of the Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Armenia, until 2044.

Russian military base #102 stationed in Gyumri is operating as part of the CIS integrated air defense system.