The 5th Protocol on extension of Russian military base deployment in Armenian comes into force today, July 6.

In this connection, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian attended the Moscow-hosted ceremony of the exchange of ratification agreements.

The Protocol on extension of deployment was signed in Yerevan in August 2010. The protocol was signed for the period of 25 years, with the new protocol extending the term till 2044. According to the new agreement, the treaty will be automatically extended every five years if neither of the parties notifies in advance about the termination of the contract.

The protocol upgraded the base’s role in contributing to Armenia’s security and committed Moscow to supplying the Armenian military with modern weaponry.

The Gyumri base numbers some 3,500 troops and is equipped with hundreds of tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery systems.