“For the first time, we are discussing Armenia’s budget under conditions of peace established with Azerbaijan. In fact, this is the first time we are discussing the budget under peaceful conditions,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated today during the debates on the draft law “On the State Budget of the Republic of Armenia for 2026” in the National Assembly.

“I once again reaffirm that, according to the Washington peace declaration of August 8, 2025, peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which already has concrete parameters, statistics. For one year and eight months now, no soldier has been killed as a result of crossfire on the Armenia–Azerbaijan border. I want to once again emphasize that in the history of the independence Armenia, we have never before had such a one year and eight months,” Pashinyan noted.

According to him, the established peace is bringing to light new facts and circumstances: “Specifically, I mean Azerbaijan’s statement whereby Azerbaijan is lifting transit restrictions toward Armenia. This is essentially a historic event—it means the first phase of overcoming Armenia’s blockade. It is also important that Armenia respond to these statements, take appropriate steps.

At this moment, our response is as follows: starting today, we are ready to ensure the transit of cargo trucks from Turkey to Azerbaijan, from Azerbaijan to Turkey, specifically via the Margara–Yeghegnadzor–Sisian–Goris route. I emphasize this because, at present, this is the only route we can actually implement today,” said Pashinyan, stressing that just as Azerbaijan has lifted its transit restrictions for Armenia, and the latter likewise is lifting its own transit restrictions.