Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan emphasized the importance of cooperation with the European Union, calling it not only economic cooperation but also a reflection of the Armenian people's European aspirations. At the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey, he stated that the country is working toward gradual or sectoral integration with the EU.
The Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis) commented on the planned increase in security spending in the 2026 state budget. Arzu Nagiyev, head of the Defense Committee, attributed this to the need to finance demining and infrastructure development in Karabakh, as well as the formation of police forces and rapid response services there.
Nagiyev also noted the influence of external factors on the increased spending. According to him, "geopolitical tensions in the world, military and political processes in the region, as well as the revanchist sentiments of certain circles in Armenia require a more flexible and comprehensive approach to security issues."
According to him, Azerbaijan not only imports weapons and ammunition but also develops export potential. Nagiyev emphasized that additional defense spending is an investment in the country's secure future and strengthening its sovereignty.