Friday, July 23 2021 13:58

ArmInfo.28 years ago, on July 23, 1993, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (Republic of Artsakh) was established. As the press service  of the NKR Foreign Ministry informs, the formation of the Foreign  Ministry fell on a difficult period, when the people of Artsakh were  forced to repulse the armed aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan with  the aim of destroying the young state of Artsakh.

In the existing situation, it was necessary to institutionalize the negotiation  efforts for the cessation of hostilities and the settlement of the  Azerbaijan-Karabagh conflict, as well as, in general, the foreign  policy activities on defending the national interests. The Foreign  Ministry of Artsakh made its significant contribution to the  conclusion of the trilateral ceasefire agreement of May 12, 1994,  which put an end to the hostilities and created conditions for the  peaceful development of the country.

The establishment of the Foreign Ministry was also of key importance  in terms of state building in Artsakh, since the ability to conduct  an independent foreign policy is one of the signs of an established  state. Since its establishment, the Artsakh Republic Foreign Ministry  has been pursuing a consistent foreign policy aimed at protecting and  promoting the strategic interests of Artsakh and, in particular, the  international recognition of its independence, expanding and  deepening its international relations, cementing the  Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, clarifying the position of the  Republic's authorities on the Azerbaijan-Karabagh conflict and ways  of its settlement, raising awareness about Artsakh and strengthening  its positive image abroad, countering disinformation and  manipulations by Azerbaijan.

The armed aggression against the Republic of Artsakh, unleashed by  Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020 with the direct participation of  Turkey and international terrorists, has led to the aggravation of  old and the emergence of new security threats. In the face of these  challenges, proactive diplomacy is of particular importance. An  initiative, pragmatic and balanced foreign policy is the key to  successfully ensuring the national security of the Republic of  Artsakh, preserving and strengthening its state sovereignty,  restoring territorial integrity, increasing the status of the  republic as a geopolitical actor, and a comprehensive settlement of  the Azerbaijan-Karabagh conflict that would fully meet the interests  of the people of Artsakh.