14:25, 8 April 2023

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, ARMENPRESS. Security cooperation between Armenia and Russia remains one of the key areas of partnership between the two countries, the Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has said.

In an interview with Armeniatoday, the Ambassador said that Russia doesn’t whatsoever abandon its obligations towards Armenia enshrined in treaties.

“The 102nd military base continues to function, the number of our border guards has increased, there are observation posts in parts of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Of course, our peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno Karabakh is an important factor for ensuring regional security.  Regrettably, criticism is being voiced towards the contingent from time to time, however this doesn’t cancel the fact that this is a key factor for ensuring security and the way of life of the Armenian population in Nagorno Karabakh. Even now, when the [Lachin] corridor is closed, the peacekeepers play a highly important role in preventing a humanitarian crisis and supporting the delivery of essential products and food. One can make some demands against Russia or the peacekeeping contingent, but in my opinion the fact that the Russian presence has been a very important factor for security and preventing an escalation doesn’t require proof,” the Russian ambassador said.