Azerbaijan, Baku, 7 November/ Trend , corr I. Alizade/ Azerbaijan has allocated over AZN 2bln (about $2.5bln) for defense and security. "It is quite large sum," Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov said at the discussions in the parliamentary commission over draft of 2009 state budget," he said.
In 2008, defense and security expenditures totaled to AZN 1.5bln ($1.850bln).
Minister said in 2003-2008 defense and security expenditures totaled to $4.5bln while it will total to $7bln in 2003-2009," Sharifov said.
At the meeting of the parliamentary commission, MPs offered to increase defense and security expenditures.
Sharifov said government increases expenditures in these spheres increase every year.
New military and technical equipment is expected to be purchased through these funds, minister added.
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