Russian border guards officially leave Zvartnots Airport
On Wednesday, Russia completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport. This process took place at the request of the Armenian authorities, which was presented earlier this year.
The Armenian government officially applied to the Russian side, stating that Armenian border guards already have sufficient experience and capabilities to carry out border control independently. Prior to this, for decades, Russian border guards had been working alongside their Armenian colleagues at the airport's checkpoints.
Russian border guards had been serving at Zvartnots since 1992. Their presence was based on agreements signed between the two countries. This change is considered an important step towards the independence of Armenia's border security system.
To mark the completion of the process, an official ceremony was held during which representatives of the two countries signed a corresponding protocol. Now, only border guards from Armenia's National Security Service perform duties at all airport checkpoints.
Despite leaving Zvartnots, Russian border guards continue their service on Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran. This event opens a new chapter in Armenian-Russian relations and demonstrates Armenia's aspiration to ensure the security of the country's strategic locations with its own forces.