Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the possibility of Armenia independently managing its border security with Turkey, noting that such discussions could take place if the border reopens and mutual trust is established.
He explained that Russian border guards were initially stationed temporarily at Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran, as well as at Zvartnots Airport, to assist with border security until Armenia had the capacity to manage these responsibilities itself.
In recent months, however, Armenia has demonstrated its readiness to oversee border operations on its own. Since August 1, 2024, Armenian border guards have taken full control of the Zvartnots Airport checkpoints. Furthermore, an agreement reached in October has allowed Armenian authorities to manage the border checkpoints with Iran.
Mirzoyan emphasized that the issue of removing Russia’s 102nd military base from Armenia, which is operating under an agreement valid until 2044, is not currently under discussion. The base, which includes an aviation unit at Yerevan’s Erebuni airfield, continues to fulfill its air defense duties as part of the CIS Joint Air Defense System.
