Russian border guards have left 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 submitted earlier this year.
For decades, Russian border guards, together with their Armenian counterparts, carried out passport control at the airport. Now, these duties will be fully performed by the employees of Armenia's Border Guard Service.
An official protocol signing ceremony took place at the airport. The parties thanked each other for their long-term cooperation. The Armenian side noted that it now has sufficient experience and capabilities to ensure border control independently.
This decision was made against the backdrop of changing relations between Armenia and Russia. The Armenian government had previously stated that the country should independently control its most important transport hubs.
Thus, Zvartnots airport will no longer have a Russian presence. This is an important step for Armenia on the path to establishing full independence in managing its own borders.