Armenia's PM Nikol Pashinyan discussed several important issues during the debates on the draft 2024 state budget at a joint meeting of parliamentary standing committees in the National Assembly of Armenia on Monday.

Nikol Pashinyan expressed concerns about the potential collapse of the current global order, which he considers a significant threat to Armenia. He also emphasized that while these threats are serious, competent management can provide serious opportunities for the country. Pashinyan pointed out that the international situation has notably deteriorated over the past two years, and the possibility of a nuclear war has become a topic of serious discussion among experts and politicians. To address these challenges, he stressed the need for intellectual and hierarchical work to ensure the self-realization of Armenia. 

Nikol Pashinyan also referred to the three main principles that can play a significant role in establishing peace and normalizing relations with Azerbaijan. He emphasized that if both parties adhere to these principles, the signing of a peace treaty between them can become a reality.

“The first principle is that Armenia and Azerbaijan must recognize each other's territorial integrity. What is more, with the understanding that the territory of Armenia comprises 29,800 square kilometers, and that of Azerbaijan—86,600,” Pashinyan added.

The second principle, in his words, is that the Almaty declaration, according to the plan, shall become the political basis for border delimitation and future demarcation of the national borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The third principle is the opening of all regional communications. According to the assurance of the Armenian PM, this shall be done by the principles of sovereignty, justice, and mutual respect of legislation.

Pashinyan also expressed hope that the agreements concerning the reopening of borders between Armenia and Turkey will be implemented soon. He explained that, in this phase, the Armenia-Turkey border would reopen for citizens from third countries and individuals holding diplomatic passports.

Armenian PM announced during the discussion that the country plans to increase its defense spending by 125% in 2024, which equates to approximately $772 million, compared to the levels in 2018.

Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the planned increase in defense spending does not contradict the peace agenda previously announced by the Armenian government. He acknowledgeդ the importance of defense spending for Armenia.

“The reform of our army and our armed forces is of primary importance for us,” he emphasized.

Pashinyan added that having combat-ready armed forces is both a legal right and a mandatory characteristic of any country.

“And we [Armenia] are moving forward in this direction. Of course, not at the pace we would like, but there are quite objective and subjective reasons for that. Nonetheless, I must state that the Armenian authorities are already implementing the course they had previously announced. In particular, to diversify our relations in the security sector,” he concluded.