According to the prime minister, this base no longer ensures the country’s national security.
The mentioned base, located near the Armenian border with Turkey, has long been an important symbol of Moscow’s military influence in the South Caucasus.
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These comments by N. Pashinyan appeared as Armenia increasingly orients itself towards Western foreign policy and moves away from the traditional ally Moscow’s sphere of influence.
“We have never raised the question of terminating the operation of the Russian military base in Armenia,” N. Pashinyan said at a press conference.
However, he emphasized that if Moscow wanted to close its 102nd military base located in the northwestern city of Gyumri, Armenia would not object.
“The 102nd military base adds nothing to Armenia’s security,” the leader added.
Moscow: we are ready to withdraw troops from the base even tomorrow
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month said that Moscow is ready to withdraw troops from the base “even tomorrow” if Armenia decides that the Russian military presence is no longer needed.
According to the 2010 agreement, Russia’s right to operate this base was extended until 2044. About 3,000 Russian troops are deployed there.
On Thursday, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu accused Yerevan of seeking to “cut ties” with Moscow and expand cooperation with NATO.
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The long-term allies’ relations have sharply deteriorated as Yerevan deepens ties with the EU and the US after Armenia accused Russia of failing to protect it during clashes with its neighboring rival Azerbaijan.
Armenia also suspended its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2024 and took steps towards possible membership in the European Union (EU).
Earlier this year, Moscow imposed bans and restrictions on various Armenian goods, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and beverages.
Brussels offered Armenia a trade lifeline under which nearly 80% of Armenia’s exports to the EU would be liberalized by removing applicable tariffs.
Despite this, Russia remains one of the main trading partners, and Armenia is heavily dependent on Russian energy resources.
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