RA Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the New Year, in which it is said:
"Dear compatriots, the army year of 2024 became history again.
In this difficult geopolitical situation, when the "hot" spots on the world map are not decreasing, but increasing, we cannot help but admit that in 2024, our people the biggest achievement was maintaining peace in the country.
It is difficult to dispute the importance of the army's strength and fighting ability, which is one of the important components of the state's sovereignty and the people's security. Therefore, during 2024, all our efforts were aimed at strengthening and developing the army's defense capabilities, making the process of army building more effective, as well as meeting the requirements of the 21st century. to have an army.
During the year, we continued to improve the equipping of army positions with modern equipment, taking steps to increase the reliable protection of the border and the security of personnel performing combat duty.
Within the framework of the reforms, the program to ensure the recruitment of the armed forces and make the military service more attractive also recorded a positive result during 2024, proving the expediency and truthfulness of the practical and useful steps. increasing the participation of women in the military.
Emphasizing the principle of the rule of law and the idea of everyone's equality before the law, new mechanisms have been introduced to strengthen legality in the army and reduce possible deviations from statutory relations, combining the idea of inevitability of punishment and the practice of giving a legal assessment to each offense with preventive actions and work to eliminate the criminal atmosphere.
Among the achievements of 2024, the improvement of the social and living conditions of the soldiers and the increase in the volume of barracks construction works should be mentioned, which will continue with greater activity and scope during the coming year.
In the current year, international cooperation in the field of defense has developed and expanded, prerequisites have been created for new interactions and strengthening of the security environment.
Along with all this, it should be stated that army building is a continuous process, closely related to interaction with state structures and the most important spheres of public life.
Therefore, we welcome 2025 with the expectation of continuity of reforms, coordinated activities and quick overcoming of unresolved issues, with the firm belief that our collective efforts to have a fighting army, a resilient society, and a strong country will be more fruitful.
I congratulate you all on New Year's and Christmas. May love, solidarity and joy prevail in your families. May 2025 be a year of peace, work and prosperity.
Glory to the Martyrs.
Long live the army of the Republic of Armenia.
Long live the Republic of Armenia."
