Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting Armenia on December 2, said that Russia will strengthen its positions in South Caucasus.

He made the remarks while addressing the third Russian-Armenian Interregional Forum in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest town which hosts Russia’s 102nd military base. 

“As far as Transcaucasus is concerned, Russia has never intended to go away from here. On the contrary, we are going to strengthen our positions in the Transcaucasus,” Putin said.

After applause in the hall, he continued: “We will be strengthening our positions in the Transcaucasus drawing upon all the best that we have inherited from our ancestors, drawing upon on good relationship with all the countries of the region, including with Armenia.”