Armenia Will Have a Professional Army, Says Nikol Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent a congratulatory message on the 30th anniversary of the formation of the RA Armed Forces.

In his message, he stated: “Dear compatriots,
Honorable representatives of the Armed Forces,
I congratulate all of you on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.
During these three decades, the Armenian army has experienced both glorious days and has gone through numerous trials. The Armenian people justly appreciate the heroic deeds of all our brave boys—the soldiers, officers, generals, and volunteers—who have fought to the end, selflessly defending the homeland, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Today we are on the path of systemic reforms aimed at the further development of the Armed Forces, re-evaluating the path the army has taken, its strengths, shortcomings, and challenges. The Republic of Armenia will have a professional army, and the Government will undertake this work tirelessly, without being discouraged and armed with optimism on the road to building our future security environment. Improving the combat readiness, armament, and conditions of service of the army is our priority.

Since 2018, the RA government has begun a process to improve the social and living conditions of service members, and this will be a continuous effort. Every soldier and officer of the Republic of Armenia must feel the state’s support, and we will be consistent in this endeavor.

Military service should be a matter of special respect and honor in society, which should also be expressed through a system of special social guarantees for servicemen and their families.

At the same time, the criteria for assessing service should be raised, including intellectual, professional, physical, and psychological preparedness, and public respect and esteem for the army should be based on these points.

Dear compatriots,
On the occasion of Army Day, I extend special congratulations to all the veterans, volunteers, soldiers, officers, and generals who laid the foundation for the formation of the Armenian army. I thank all defenders of our Homeland, all service members for the sacrifices they have made to serve our country and people selflessly in difficult conditions. I also thank their families for their patience, resilience, and for standing strong behind their soldier relatives and our Homeland.

I bow before our heroic martyrs; their memory is immortal, and their deeds are sacred. May God protect the Armenian army.”