Armenia's militarization policy necessitates Azerbaijan to increase its defence expenses, Finance Minister

By Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijan's strengthening its defence capability and national security, further modernization of its army, and taking countermeasures against Armenia's large-scale militarization policy made it necessary to increase its defence and national security expenses, Azernews reports that Finance Minister Samir Sharifov said this telling at the meeting of the Economy, Industry and Entrepreneurship committee of the Milli Majlis held on November 18.

He noted that 20.3 percent of next year's state budget expenditures or AZN 8.4 bln ($4.9 bln) are allocated for defense and national security expenses. Defense and national security expenses are AZN12.7 million manats (AZN 7.7 bln) 17.8 percent) more than the forecast of the current year, and AZN2,5 bln ($1.5 bln) or 43.4 percent more than the 2023 implementation.