We are doubling defense spending, but this is not preparation for war, but for peace. Nikol Pashinyan

"With the budget of 2024, compared to 2018, the expenses of the defense sector are more than doubled. But this is not a preparation for war, but for peace," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in his final speech during the discussion of the 2024 budget draft at the NA session, "Aravot" reports.

"I am sure that all our neighboring countries are convinced that we have no intention of attacking anyone. And in that regard, I do not consider the concerns expressed about the reforms and achievements of the Armed Forces to be sincere for two reasons. First, every sovereign state has not only the right but also the duty to reform and strengthen the army, which we are doing. Secondly, in the last 10 years, Azerbaijan's defense expenses were on average three times higher than the same index of Armenia and continue to be so," said Pashinyan.

It should be noted that according to the 2024 state budget draft, it is planned to allocate 555 billion drams to the defense sector.