ArmInfo. The Russian presence in the Caucasus region of collective security is the most important deterrent to the resumption of hostilities in the region. The head of the Armenian Defense Ministry David Tonoyan stated this on February 21 during a reception in honor of Defender of the Fatherland Day at the Russian Embassy in Armenia.
According to him, the Russian presence also contributes to the preservation of regional stability and security.
Tonoyan highlighted the bilateral interstate agreements that came into force on the creation of a unified regional air defense system in the Caucasus region of collective security and on a unified grouping of troops of the Armenian and Russian forces. "Their importance can hardly be overestimated. Thanks to this, the Armenian-Russian potential in the region has significantly increased," said Tonoyan. At the same time, the head of the Ministry of Defense stated that during his recent meeting in Moscow with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu several documents were signed aimed at implementing the provisions of these agreements. According to him, Armenia appreciates the qualitatively new level of Armenian-Russian relations in the defense field, which is an additional impetus to the further development of strategic, allied relations between Yerevan and Moscow for the benefit of the peoples of the two states.
Tonoyan also touched upon the presence of the Russian troops in Armenia and stressed that the personnel of the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia had repeatedly confirmed their conscientious attitude towards the fulfillment of the tasks assigned to them and high combat readiness. "I would also like to note the daily, noble activities of the Russian border guards. Today I am pleased to note that the staff of the Federal Security Service of RF Border Management in Armenia, continuing the glorious traditions of its predecessors, adequately accomplishes the tasks assigned to it jointly with the border forces of the Armenian National Security "said the Minister.
In conclusion, Tonoyan noted that the Day of Defender of the Fatherland occupies a worthy place among the most revered days of military glory. "Although this day is not a public holiday in Armenia, but it lives in the memory and hearts of older military personnel, reflects the inextricable link between generations and the continuity of military traditions, and also embodies the selfless service to the fatherland," the RA Defense Minister summed up.