Pashinyan speaks on agriculture, Russian base, Azerbaijani toponyms

Armenia’s agricultural sector has recorded no growth this year and has instead experienced a decline, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan made the remarks during a question-and-answer session between the National Assembly and the government, responding to a question from Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia faction, about the sector’s growth.

Pashinyan noted that the government’s program defines agriculture primarily in terms of intensive farming, arguing that widely used traditional forms of agricultural management can no longer be regarded as a sustainable model for development.

 “We must promote intensive agriculture and diversify our markets, because excessive dependence on any single market or destination—not only in agriculture but across the economy as a whole—undermines our ability to effectively manage, sustain, and systematically develop our economic sectors,” he underlined.

Russia’s 102nd Military Base

Pashinyan said Armenia’s position regarding Russia’s 102nd Military Base remains unchanged, adding that he has not raised the issue of its withdrawal with Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2018.

According to Pashinyan, the issue came onto the agenda following the September Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Bishkek and his subsequent meeting with Putin.

He said Yerevan would not object if Russia decided to withdraw the base from Armenia, while the Armenian side was also prepared to discuss the possibility of maintaining its presence.

The 102nd Russian Military Base is stationed in Gyumri.

Azerbaijani Toponyms

Pashinyan also addressed his use of Azerbaijani toponyms, saying they served to legitimize what he described as Armenia’s internationally recognized territory and Armenian settlements.

“By using Azerbaijani toponyms, I legitimized the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia and Armenian settlements,” he said.

According to Pashinyan, understanding this requires certain skills.

“Those who do not understand this most likely do not possess these skills,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva