Foreign relations of Artsakh#Visa requirements for Artsakh citizens

File:2014 Stepanakert, Budynek Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych Republiki Górskiego Karabachu (02).jpg

Foreign policy of the state was governed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Artsakh. The Ministry was based in the capital city of Stepanakert.

Below is a list of the foreign ministers that represented the Republic of Artsakh:{{Cite web |title=Foreign ministers A-D |url=http://rulers.org/fm1.html |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=rulers.org |archive-date=2020-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101112659/http://www.rulers.org/fm1.html |url-status=live }}

• 1993–1997: Arkadi Ghukasyan
• 1997–2002: Naira Melkumian
• 2002–2004: Ashot Gulyan
• 2004–2005: Arman Melikyan
• 2005–2011: Georgy Petrosyan
• 2011–2012: Vasily Atajanyan (acting)
• 2012–2017: Karen Mirzoyan
• 2017–2021: Masis Mayilyan
• 2021–2023: David Babayan{{cite web |title=David Babayan appointed Foreign Minister of Artsakh – Public Radio of Armenia |url=https://en.armradio.am/2021/01/04/david-babayan-appointed-foreign-minister-of-artsakh/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |archive-date=2024-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506042912/https://en.armradio.am/2021/01/04/david-babayan-appointed-foreign-minister-of-artsakh/ |url-status=live }}
• 2023–2024: Sergey Ghazaryan

{{expand section|date=April 2016}}

The Republic of Artsakh and the partially recognized Republic of Abkhazia recognized each other. Both states abolished visa requirements for their citizens and participated in the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations.

In 2012, the Parliament of New South Wales called upon the Australian government to recognize Artsakh. Artsakh maintained a Representative Office in Sydney, Australia.

{{Main article|Armenia–Artsakh relations}}

While Armenia never recognized Artsakh, they had very close relations. It functioned as a de facto part of Armenia.{{cite book|last=Hughes|first=James|title=Ethnicity and Territory in the Former Soviet Union: Regions in Conflict|year=2002|publisher=Cass|location=London|isbn=978-0-7146-8210-5|page=211|quote=Indeed, Nagorno-Karabakh is de facto part of Armenia.}}{{cite news|last1=Mulcaire|first1=Jack|title=Face Off: The Coming War between Armenia and Azerbaijan|url=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/face-the-coming-war-between-armenia-azerbaijan-12585|work=The National Interest|date=9 April 2015|quote=The mostly Armenian population of the disputed region now lives under the control of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, a micronation that is supported by Armenia and is effectively part of that country.|access-date=8 April 2016|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103170830/http://nationalinterest.org/feature/face-the-coming-war-between-armenia-azerbaijan-12585|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Armenia expects Russian support in Karabakh war|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=armenia-expects-russian-support-in-karabakh-war-2011-05-20|access-date=25 June 2013|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|date=20 May 2011|quote=While internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory, the enclave has declared itself an independent republic but is administered as a de facto part of Armenia.|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002055014/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=armenia-expects-russian-support-in-karabakh-war-2011-05-20|url-status=live}}Central Asia and The Caucasus, Information and Analytical Center, 2009, Issues 55-60, Page 74, "Nagorno-Karabakh became de facto part of Armenia (its quasi-statehood can dupe no one) as a result of aggression."Deutsche Gesellschaft für auswärtige Politik, Internationale Politik, Volume 8, 2007 "... and Nagorno-Karabakh, the disputed territory that is now de facto part of Armenia ..."{{cite book|last=Cornell|first=Svante|title=Azerbaijan Since Independence|year=2011|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|location=New York|isbn=978-0-7656-3004-9|author-link=Svante Cornell|page=135|quote=Following the war, the territories that fell under Armenian control, in particular Mountainous Karabakh itself, were slowly integrated into Armenia. Officially, Karabakh and Armenia remain separate political entities, but for most practical matters the two entities are unified.}} A representative office of Nagorno-Karabakh was established in Yerevan.

The Republic of Artsakh maintained three representative offices in Europe, including Berlin, Paris, and Moscow.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkr.am/en/karabakh-permanent-representations|title=Permanent Representations | NKR|access-date=2020-11-28|archive-date=2020-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205045237/http://www.nkr.am/en/karabakh-permanent-representations|url-status=live}}

Artsakh gave a positive response to the Russian recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk, however this did not extend to their own issuance of recognition.{{cite news |url=https://eurasianet.org/putins-donbas-recognition-reverberates-in-caucasus |title=Putin's Donbas recognition reverberates in Caucasus |last=Kucera |first=Joshua |work=eurasianet |date=2022-02-22 |access-date=2022-06-26 |archive-date=2022-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607062042/https://eurasianet.org/putins-donbas-recognition-reverberates-in-caucasus |url-status=live }}

The Republic of Artsakh maintained a Representative office in Lebanon's capital, Beirut. In March 2018, Artsakh president Bako Sahakyan visited Lebanon and met with Catholicos Aram I, the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church.{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/442178.html|title=Karabakh President in Lebanon, meets with Catholicos of Great House of Cilicia|website=news.am|access-date=2018-05-21|archive-date=2018-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522042100/https://news.am/eng/news/442178.html|url-status=live}} In May 2018, representatives of the Artsakh city of Martakert and the Lebanese town of Bourj Hammoud signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the latter town.{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/451940.html|title=Karabakh's Martakert, Lebanon's Bourj Hammoud sign memorandum of cooperation|website=news.am|access-date=2018-05-21|archive-date=2018-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522042303/https://news.am/eng/news/451940.html|url-status=live}}

The Republic of Artsakh and partially recognized Republic of South Ossetia recognized each other. Both states abolished visa requirements for their citizens and participated in the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations.

{{main|Artsakh–Transnistria relations}}

The Republic of Artsakh and Transnistria recognized each other and abolished visa requirements for their citizens. There were many joint activities between the two countries. In 2001, both countries in Stepanakert signed the Protocol on Cooperation and Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh.{{cite web |title=Protocol on Cooperation and Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Pridnestrovien Moldavian Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic |url=http://mid.gospmr.org/en/SQR |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria |date=4 July 2001 |access-date=2016-04-08 |archive-date=2021-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509011928/http://mid.gospmr.org/en/SQR |url-status=live }} Transnistria also participates in the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations.

Ukraine did not recognize Artsakh, and supplied Azerbaijan with weapons during the first Nagorno-Karabakh War.

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Artsakh sent 14 tones of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, namely into the Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. However, this aid was sent "through the Russian peacekeeping troops in Artsakh".{{Cite web |title=Artsakh sends 14 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine |url=https://www.armenpress.am/eng/news/1077319/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=armenpress.am |date=7 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308200456/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1077319/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Artsakh–United States relations}}

The United States never established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Artsakh and recognized it as part of Azerbaijan. Support for Artsakh in the United States manifested above all at the state legislature level. Several of them adopted Artsakh support resolutions. In May 2012, the Rhode Island House of Representatives in the United States passed a resolution calling on President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress to recognize the Republic of Artsakh. In August 2012, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a similar resolution.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/massachusetts-state-legislature-calls-for-nagorno-karabakh-recongnition/24669893.html|title=U.S. State Calls For Karabakh Recognition|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=2020-06-10|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610221706/https://www.rferl.org/a/massachusetts-state-legislature-calls-for-nagorno-karabakh-recongnition/24669893.html|url-status=live}} In April 2013, the Maine House of Representatives and Senate passed a resolution accepting Artsakh's independence and urging President Barack Obama to also accept Artsakh's independence.http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0987&item=1&snum=126 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930121102/http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0987&item=1&snum=126 |date=2013-09-30 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} In May 2013, the Louisiana State Senate passed a resolution accepting Artsakh's independence and expressed support for the Republic of Artsakh's efforts to develop as a free and independent nation.http://senate.la.gov/sessioninfo/2013/RS/Journals/05-30-2013.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429005516/http://senate.la.gov/sessioninfo/2013/RS/Journals/05-30-2013.pdf |date=2016-04-29 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} In May 2014, the California State Assembly passed a measure recognizing Artsakh's independence with a 70–1 vote.{{cite news|last=White |first=Jeremy B. |title=Capitol Alert: California Assembly calls for Nagorno-Karabakh Republic |url=http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/05/08/3916420/capitol-alert-california-assembly.html |newspaper=Fresno Bee |date=8 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508223356/http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/05/08/3916420/capitol-alert-california-assembly.html |archive-date=2014-05-08 }} The measure also called for President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress to recognize the Republic of Artsakh.{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Melanie|title=Calif. lawmakers to weigh in on dispute between Armenia, Azerbaijan|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-nagorno-karabakh-resolution-20140505-story.html|newspaper=LA Times|date=5 May 2014|access-date=18 May 2014|archive-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513094026/http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-nagorno-karabakh-resolution-20140505-story.html|url-status=live}} The US state of Hawaii unanimously voted to approve and recognize the Republic of Artsakh on March 30, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://asbarez.com/148226/hawaii-recognizes-nagorno-karabakh-republics-independence/|title=Hawaii Recognizes Nagorno Karabakh Republic's Independence|date=March 30, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2017|archive-date=December 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227090152/http://asbarez.com/148226/hawaii-recognizes-nagorno-karabakh-republics-independence/|url-status=live}} The Republic of Artsakh also established a representative office in Washington, D.C.{{cite web |title=Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States! |url=http://www.nkrusa.org/greetings/greetings.shtml |website=nkrusa.org |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119130425/http://www.nkrusa.org/greetings/greetings.shtml |url-status=live }}

In addition, Artsakh government officials regularly maintained contact with members of the United States Congress. In October 2019, the Foreign Minister of Artsakh noted that the authorities of the Republic attach great importance to the relations between Artsakh and the United States at various levels. The Minister also stated his appreciation of the United States for financial aid and support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict, and hoped for further developing cooperation during a meeting with US Congress members.{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990917.html|title=Foreign Minister of Artsakh receives U.S. Congresswomen|website=armenpress.am|date=8 October 2019 |access-date=2019-10-08|archive-date=2019-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008154754/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990917.html|url-status=live}}

File:US States Recognition of Artsakh.svg

{{See also|Political status of Nagorno-Karabakh#Independence recognition efforts}}

In October 2012, the Australian state of New South Wales recognized Nagorno-Karabakh{{cite web |url=http://news.am/eng/news/126086.html |title=Australia's largest state recognizes independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic |publisher=News.am |date=2012-10-25 |access-date=2017-11-16 |archive-date=2017-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117174802/https://news.am/eng/news/126086.html |url-status=live }} however it was reaffirmed by the Australian Foreign Minister in November 2015 that the federal government of the Commonwealth of Australia does not, and supports Azerbaijan's claim to the state.{{cite web|url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/11/30/15/51/exp-question-time-in-federal-parliament|title=EXP: Question time in federal parliament|work=9News|date=30 November 2015|access-date=30 November 2015|archive-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801165618/https://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/11/30/15/51/exp-question-time-in-federal-parliament|url-status=live}} In 2017, The Australian Greens Party announced that it recognizes the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).{{Cite web|url=https://armenianweekly.com/2017/12/13/australian-greens-recognize-artsakh-party-platform/|title=Australian Greens Party Recognizes Artsakh in Party Platform|date=December 13, 2017|website=The Armenian Weekly|access-date=April 14, 2018|archive-date=June 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611043720/https://armenianweekly.com/2017/12/13/australian-greens-recognize-artsakh-party-platform/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/915921/australian-greens-recognize-the-republic-of-artsakh.html|title=Australian Greens recognize the Republic of Artsakh|website=armenpress.am|date=13 December 2017 |access-date=2018-04-14|archive-date=2017-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223215850/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/915921/australian-greens-recognize-the-republic-of-artsakh.html|url-status=live}} In October 2020, the New South Wales Legislative Assembly recognized the independence of the Republic of Artsakh, 61 for and 2 against. The motion also condemned the attacks by Azerbaijan and Turkey against the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.{{Cite web|title=Australia's New South Wales Legislative Assembly officially recognizes Artsakh independence|url=https://news.am/eng/news/609184.html|access-date=2020-10-22|website=news.am|language=en|archive-date=2020-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024184636/https://news.am/eng/news/609184.html|url-status=live}}

In September 2014, the Basque parliament adopted a motion supporting Nagorno-Karabakh's right to self-determination.{{cite news|title=Basque Parliament Supports Artsakh's Self-Determination|url=http://asbarez.com/126904/basque-parliament-supports-artsakh%E2%80%99s-self-determination/|agency=Asbarez|date=12 September 2014|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119000732/http://asbarez.com/126904/basque-parliament-supports-artsakh%e2%80%99s-self-determination/|url-status=dead}} In the Philippines, various politicians are in favor of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) recognition and have suggested for the cooperation of ASEAN (which includes ten Southeast Asian nations) in the recognition of the country, however, the current administration has yet to prioritize the issue due to an ongoing drug war and a shift to federalism.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mfa.am/en/country-by-country/ph/ |title=Philippines - Bilateral Relations - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia |access-date=2018-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417141835/http://mfa.am/en/country-by-country/ph/ |archive-date=2015-04-17 |url-status=dead }}

Before California recognized Nagorno-Karabakh in May 2014, three places within the state had already recognized it:

• Fresno County (April 2013){{Cite news|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20131206/185319223.html|title=Azerbaijan Protests California Town's Recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh|publisher=RIA Novosti|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=February 17, 2014|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211235857/http://en.ria.ru/world/20131206/185319223.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www2.co.fresno.ca.us/0110a/Questys_Agenda/MG202114/AS202115/AS202120/AI202346/DO202347/DO_202347.pdf |title=Resolution No 13-119: 98th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide and Independence of Nagorno Karabakh Republic |access-date=2018-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227050135/http://www2.co.fresno.ca.us/0110a/Questys_Agenda/MG202114/AS202115/AS202120/AI202346/DO202347/DO_202347.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-27 |url-status=dead }}
• Highland (November 2013){{cite web |url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/11/27/haylend-berdzor/ |title=The US City of Highland Recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh - Armenian News |publisher=Tert.am |access-date=2017-11-16 |archive-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222011941/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/11/27/haylend-berdzor/ |url-status=dead }}
• Los Angeles (January 2014){{Cite news|url=http://arka.am/en/news/politics/los_angeles_city_council_recognizes_the_independence_of_nagorno_karabakh_republic/|title=Los Angeles city council recognizes the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic|publisher=ARKA News Agency|date=January 29, 2014|access-date=February 17, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221125530/http://arka.am/en/news/politics/los_angeles_city_council_recognizes_the_independence_of_nagorno_karabakh_republic/|url-status=live}}

In addition, Highland is twinned with Berdzor and Montebello is twinned with Stepanakert.Wright, Pam. "Montebello's newest Sister City program has come under fire from an ambassador for the Republic of Azerbaijan." Whittier Daily News. November 19, 2005.

In November 2019, the French Communist Party urged the French Government to recognize the independence of Artsakh.{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/993871.html|title=French Communist Party urges country's authorities to recognize independence of Artsakh|date=November 2019 |access-date=2019-11-01|archive-date=2019-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101161223/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/993871.html|url-status=live}} On 25 November 2020, the French Senate adopted a resolution to recognize the independence of Artsakh.

On 15 October 2020, the Italian city of Milan became the first ever large European city to recognize the Republic of Artsakh.{{Cite news|url=https://en.armradio.am/2020/10/16/city-of-milan-urges-italian-authorities-to-recognize-the-republic-of-artsakh/#:~:text=City%20of%20Milan%20urges%20Italian%20authorities%20to%20recognize%20the%20Republic%20of%20Artsakh,-Siranush%20Ghazanchyan%20Send&text=%E2%80%9COn%2015%20October%202020%2C%20in,Turkish%2DAzerbaijani%20aggression%20against%20Artsakh.|title=City of Milan urges Italian authorities to recognize the Republic of Artsakh|publisher=Public Radio of Armenia|access-date=October 19, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018051448/https://en.armradio.am/2020/10/16/city-of-milan-urges-italian-authorities-to-recognize-the-republic-of-artsakh/#:~:text=City%20of%20Milan%20urges%20Italian%20authorities%20to%20recognize%20the%20Republic%20of%20Artsakh,-Siranush%20Ghazanchyan%20Send&text=%E2%80%9COn%2015%20October%202020%2C%20in,Turkish%2DAzerbaijani%20aggression%20against%20Artsakh.|url-status=live}} On 3 November 2020, the city of Palermo,{{Cite web|url=https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/03/italian-city-of-palermo-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh//|title=Italian city of Palermo recognizes the independence of Artsakh|access-date=2021-07-29|archive-date=2021-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729201845/https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/03/italian-city-of-palermo-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh/|url-status=live}} as well as Asolo,{{Cite web|date=2020-10-30|title=Il Comune di Asolo fa un piccolo grande passo verso il riconoscimento della Repubblica armena di Artsakh|url=https://www.qdpnews.it/asolo/41959-asolo-prima-nel-fare-un-piccolo-grande-passo-verso-il-riconoscimento-della-repubblica-armena-del-artsakh|access-date=2020-11-04|website=QDP il Quotidiano del Piave, notizie dell'Alta Marca Trevigiana.|language=it-it|archive-date=2020-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101004530/https://www.qdpnews.it/asolo/41959-asolo-prima-nel-fare-un-piccolo-grande-passo-verso-il-riconoscimento-della-repubblica-armena-del-artsakh|url-status=dead}} Cerchiara di Calabria,{{Cite web|title=ALBO PRETORIO DIGITALE - Comune di Cerchiara di Calabria|url=https://www.servizipubblicaamministrazione.it/servizi/saturnweb/Dettaglio.aspx?Pub=7671&RicCro=1&CE=crchrclbr791|access-date=2020-11-04|website=www.servizipubblicaamministrazione.it|archive-date=2021-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121145138/https://www.servizipubblicaamministrazione.it/servizi/saturnweb/Dettaglio.aspx?Pub=7671&RicCro=1&CE=crchrclbr791|url-status=live}} and the Italian region of Lombardy{{Cite web|title=Italy's Lombardy recognizes the independence of Artsakh|url=https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/04/italys-lombardy-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh/|access-date=2020-11-04|website=Public Radio of Armenia|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103205538/https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/04/italys-lombardy-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh/|url-status=live}} followed.

On 24 October 2020, Nadia de León, the President of the Central American Parliament announced her support for the right of self-determination of Artsakh.{{cite news|title=The president of the Central American Parliament recognizes the independence of Artsaj|url=https://www.sardarabad.com.ar/diaspora361/361-la-presidenta-del-parlamento-centroamericano-reconoce-la-independencia-de-artsaj|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926063844/https://www.sardarabad.com.ar/diaspora361/361-la-presidenta-del-parlamento-centroamericano-reconoce-la-independencia-de-artsaj|url-status=live}}

On 5 November 2020, the city of Laval in Quebec recognized the independence of Artsakh.{{cite news |title= Canada's Laval recognizes independence of Karabakh |url= https://www.philippinesnews.net/news/266897904/canadaaposs-laval-recognizes-independence-of-karabakh |access-date= 10 November 2020 |archive-date= 17 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201117001130/https://www.philippinesnews.net/news/266897904/canadaaposs-laval-recognizes-independence-of-karabakh |url-status= live }}

On 13 November 2020, the legislature of Uruguay's Montevideo Department unanimously recognized the independence of the Republic of Artsakh.{{cite news |title= Montevideo recognizes the independence of Artsakh |url= https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/13/montevideo-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh/#:~:text=The%20Montevideo%20Departmental%20Council%20has,not%20of%20authentic%20balanced%20negotiations |access-date= 13 November 2020 |archive-date= 13 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201113073948/https://en.armradio.am/2020/11/13/montevideo-recognizes-the-independence-of-artsakh/#:~:text=The%20Montevideo%20Departmental%20Council%20has,not%20of%20authentic%20balanced%20negotiations |url-status= live }}

File:Visa requirements for Artsakh citizens.png

As Artsakh was not recognized by the majority of countries of the world (with the exceptions of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria, all of which are also mostly unrecognized), an Artsakh passport was not valid for travel to most countries in the world. However, as dual nationality is permitted, most citizens of Artsakh were entitled to an Armenian passport.

All members of the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations have agreed to abolish visa requirements for each other's citizens. Artsakh passports could be used to travel to South Ossetia{{cite web |title=Министерство иностранных дел Республики Южная Осетия [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia] |url=http://mfa-rso.gratia.su/ru/frontpage?page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603001354/http://mfa-rso.gratia.su/ru/frontpage?page=1 |archive-date=2016-06-03 |language=ru}} and Transnistria.{{cite web |title=Правила въезда, выезда иностранцев из Приднестровья - Общественная организация "Переселение" |url=http://pereselenie.moscow/ru/grazhdanam-rossii/pravila-v-ezda-vyezda-inostrantsev-iz-pridnestrovya.html |access-date=3 May 2016 |work=pereselenie.moscow |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629221155/http://pereselenie.moscow/ru/grazhdanam-rossii/pravila-v-ezda-vyezda-inostrantsev-iz-pridnestrovya.html |url-status=dead }} Artsakh signed a visa-waiver agreement with Abkhazia on 22 February 2016 and the agreement went into effect on 1 April 2016.{{cite web |title=ТАСС: Международная панорама - Абхазия готовит соглашения с Приднестровьем и Нагорным Карабахом о безвизовых поездках |url=http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/2688214 |access-date=3 May 2016 |work=ТАСС}} Citizens of Artsakh could also travel visa-free to neighboring Armenia.

• On 26 February 2013, a parliamentary friendship group was established between the Republic of Artsakh and the Parliament of Lithuania.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkr.am/en/international-cooperation|title=International Cooperation | NKR|website=www.nkr.am|access-date=2019-10-09|archive-date=2021-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301004114/http://www.nkr.am/en/international-cooperation|url-status=live}}
• On 19 March 2013, a parliamentary friendship group was established with parliament members and senators of France.
• In October 2014, a parliamentary friendship group was established between Artsakh and the European Parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://europeanmovement.eu/news/first-nagorno-karabakh-group-announced-in-the-european-parliament/|title=First Nagorno-Karabakh Group announced in the European Parliament|website=EMI|access-date=2019-10-09|archive-date=2019-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009132618/https://europeanmovement.eu/news/first-nagorno-karabakh-group-announced-in-the-european-parliament/|url-status=live}}
• In October 2017, parliamentary friendship groups were established with both the Parliament of Wallonia and Flemish Parliament in Belgium.
• On 19 March 2019, an Artsakh-Canada Friendship Group was established between the National Assembly of Artsakh and the House of Commons of Canada.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkr.am/en/international-cooperation|title=International Cooperation|website=nkr.am|access-date=2019-10-09|archive-date=2021-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301004114/http://www.nkr.am/en/international-cooperation|url-status=live}}
• On 1 August 2019, an Artsakh-Australia Friendship Group was established between Artsakh and various Australian politicians including Federal Parliament Senators and Ministers, as well as the Premier of the State of New South Wales.
• On 8 December 2019, Artsakh National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulyan received First Vice President of Guatemala’s Congress, Felipe Alejos Lorenzana. The sides discussed establishing inter-parliamentary ties.{{Cite web|url=https://horizonweekly.ca/fr/first-vice-president-of-guatemalas-parliament-felipe-alejos-lorenzana-hosted-at-artsakh-parliament/|title=First Vice President of Guatemala's Parliament Felipe Alejos Lorenzana hosted at Artsakh parliament|website=horizonweekly.ca/|date=9 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928170022/https://horizonweekly.ca/fr/first-vice-president-of-guatemalas-parliament-felipe-alejos-lorenzana-hosted-at-artsakh-parliament/|url-status=live}}
• In June 2020, a parliamentary friendship group was established between the Republic of Artsakh and members of the Parliament of Cyprus.{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1018019/|title=Friendship circle with Cyprus formed in Artsakh Parliament|website=armenpress.am|date=10 June 2020 |access-date=2020-06-10|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610215725/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1018019/|url-status=live}}

• The Republic of Artsakh was a member of one international organization, the Community for Democracy and Human Rights, also commonly known as the Commonwealth of Unrecognized States.
• The Republic of Artsakh also maintained contacts with the OSCE Minsk Group established in 1992 by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to encourage a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Artsakh.
• In October 2017, the President of Artsakh, Bako Sahakyan visited the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) headquarters in Belgium. A number of issues were discussed including relations between Artsakh and the EU. The President thanked EuFoA for reinforcing ties between Artsakh and various pan-European structures.{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/416295.html|title=Karabakh president visits office of European Friends of Armenia|website=News.am|access-date=2019-12-31|archive-date=2019-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205185512/https://news.am/eng/news/416295.html|url-status=live}}
• In March 2019, the Speaker of the National Assembly (Artsakh), Ashot Ghulian met with European Parliament members in Brussels, during which he explored opportunities to include Artsakh in European Union programs. The Speaker also highlighted the necessity to maintain and promote cooperation between the two sides.{{Cite web|url=http://asbarez.com/178211/artsakh-official-explores-opportunities-to-include-artsakh-in-eu-programs/|title=Artsakh Official Explores Opportunities to Include Artsakh in EU Programs|date=March 7, 2019|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308095327/http://asbarez.com/178211/artsakh-official-explores-opportunities-to-include-artsakh-in-eu-programs/|url-status=live}}
• Artsakh officials also had regular contact with the Council of Europe. In October 2019, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh, Artak Beglaryan, held a number of meetings with high-ranking officials of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Possible areas of cooperation between Artsakh and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as well as the need to ensure international engagement of unrecognized states was discussed.{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990351.html|title=Ombudsman Beglaryan discusses Artsakh people's rights protection issues with some CoE officials|website=armenpress.am|date=3 October 2019 |access-date=2019-10-04|archive-date=2019-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004023606/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990351.html|url-status=live}}

In addition to the above, Artsakh was also a signatory to several international conventions and treaties, including:{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990571.html|title=Artsakh's MFA welcomes position of CoE Secretary General|website=armenpress.am|date=4 October 2019 |access-date=2019-10-04|archive-date=2019-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005081629/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/990571.html|url-status=live}}

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• European Convention on Human Rights

File:Missions of NKR.png

Artsakh maintained several representative offices abroad:{{Cite web |title=Вице-спикер парламента Абхазии: Выборы в НКР соответствуют всем международным стандартам |url=http://www.ararat-online.ru/news/984-2025-vice-spiker-parlamenta-abxazii-vybory-v-nkr-sootvetstvuyut-vsem-mezhdunarodnym-standartam.html |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=Ararat-online.ru - Армянский информационный интернет портал |archive-date=2011-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811164310/http://ararat-online.ru/news/984-2025-vice-spiker-parlamenta-abxazii-vybory-v-nkr-sootvetstvuyut-vsem-mezhdunarodnym-standartam.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2021 |title=Парламент Карабаха признал русский язык официальным языком республики |url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/605c83739a79474363e6eab3 |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=РБК |language=ru |archive-date=2021-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526025733/https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/605c83739a79474363e6eab3 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2008-05-11 |title=In detail: The foreign policy of Pridnestrovie {{!}} Pridnestrovie.net - Tiraspol, PMR: Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica (Transnistria) |url=http://pridnestrovie.net/foreignpolicy_full.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511144044/http://pridnestrovie.net/foreignpolicy_full.html |archive-date=2008-05-11 |access-date=2021-11-22}}{{Cite web |title=Official website of the President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic |url=http://www.president.nkr.am/en/nkr/generalInformation/ |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=www.president.nkr.am |archive-date=2021-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203103730/http://president.nkr.am/en/nkr/generalInformation/ |url-status=live }}

• {{ARM}} (Yerevan){{cite web |title=Nagorno-Karabakh Travel Guide |url=http://www.world66.com/europe/azerbaijan/nagornokarabakh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120140446/http://www.world66.com/europe/azerbaijan/nagornokarabakh |archive-date=2009-11-20 |accessdate=2009-12-21}}
• {{AUS}} (Sydney){{Cite web |title=Permanent Representations {{!}} NKR |url=http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |access-date=2021-06-12 |website=www.nkr.am |archive-date=2020-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924165501/http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |url-status=dead }}
• {{FRA}} (Paris){{Cite web |title=Permanent Representations {{!}} NKR |url=http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |access-date=2021-06-12 |website=www.nkr.am |archive-date=2020-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924165501/http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |url-status=dead }}
• {{DEU}} (Berlin){{cite web |title=Page of the Permanent Representative in Berlin |url=http://sites.google.com/site/nkrberlin/ |accessdate=2010-12-29 |archive-date=2019-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713095734/https://sites.google.com/site/nkrberlin/system/pages/matureConfirm?path=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fnkrberlin%2F |url-status=dead }}
• {{LBN}} (Beirut)
• Also responsible for the rest of the Middle East{{Cite web |title=Permanent Representations | NKR |url=http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |access-date=2023-11-26 |archive-date=2020-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924165501/http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |url-status=dead }}
• {{RUS}} (Moscow)
• {{USA}} (Washington D.C.){{cite web |title=Introduction to the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States of America |url=http://www.nkrusa.org/nkr_office/nkr_office.shtml |accessdate=2009-12-21 |archive-date=2012-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401030310/http://www.nkrusa.org/nkr_office/nkr_office.shtml |url-status=live }}
• Also accredited to {{CAN}}{{Cite web |title=Permanent Representations {{!}} NKR |url=http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |access-date=2021-06-12 |website=www.nkr.am |archive-date=2020-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924165501/http://www.nkr.am/karabakh-permanent-representations |url-status=dead }}

• The Artsakh Football Association was a member of Confederation of Independent Football Associations.
• Artsakh participated in the 2014 ConIFA World Football Cup in Sweden, the 2015 ConIFA European Football Cup in Hungary and the 2016 ConIFA World Football Cup in Abkhazia
• In June 2019, the 2019 CONIFA European Football Cup was hosted in Artsakh.
• Artsakh and its citizens also participated in the Pan-Armenian Games.

File:MapOfArtsakh2021.png

There were numerous settlements in the territory with standing links to local communities in other countries. These links are known as "town twinning" (usually in Europe) or "sister cities" (usually in the rest of the world).

• Lachin — Highland, United States{{cite web |date=2013-12-18 |title=City of Highland Reaffirms Commitment to Sister-City Partnership with Berdzor |url=http://asbarez.com/117575/city-of-highland-reaffirms-commitment-to-sister-city-partnership-with-berdzor/ |accessdate=2020-11-16 |website=asbarez.com |publisher=Asbarez |archive-date=2021-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306121152/https://asbarez.com/117575/city-of-highland-reaffirms-commitment-to-sister-city-partnership-with-berdzor/ |url-status=live }}
• Martakert — Vagarshapat, Armenia{{cite web |title=Sister cities |url=http://ejmiatsin.am/foreign-relations/sister-cities/ |accessdate=2020-11-16 |website=ejmiatsin.am |publisher=Vagharshapat |archive-date=2019-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830202142/http://ejmiatsin.am/foreign-relations/sister-cities/ |url-status=dead }}
• Martuni — Les Pennes-Mirabeau, France{{cite web |date=2014-07-09 |title=Nagorno-Karabakh president receives delegation of Les- Pennes-Mirabeau city |url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/07/09/Nkr-president-meeting/1136838 |accessdate=2020-11-16 |website=tert.am |publisher=Tert AM |archive-date=2016-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005194748/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/07/09/Nkr-president-meeting/1136838 |url-status=dead }}
• Stepanakert — Franco da Rocha, Brazil,{{cite web|title=Stepanakert and Brazilian Franco da Rocha become sister cities|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/838109.html|website=armenpress.am|publisher=Armenpress|date=2016-03-02|accessdate=2020-11-16|archive-date=2021-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030132836/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/838109.html|url-status=live}} Mairiporã, Brazil,{{cite web|title=Leis aprovadas em SP levam Itamaraty a alertar cidades sobre mal-estar com o Azerbaijão|url=https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2019/02/01/leis-aprovadas-no-interior-de-sp-levam-itamaraty-a-alertar-cidades-sobre-mal-estar-com-o-azerbaijao.ghtml|website=g1.globo.com|publisher=G1 Globo|language=pt|date=2019-02-01|accessdate=2020-11-16|archive-date=2020-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101205858/https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2019/02/01/leis-aprovadas-no-interior-de-sp-levam-itamaraty-a-alertar-cidades-sobre-mal-estar-com-o-azerbaijao.ghtml|url-status=live}} and Montebello, United States{{cite web|title=Stepanakert, Artsakh|url=https://www.cityofmontebello.com/about-montebello/about-sister-cities/stepanakert-artsakh.html|website=cityofmontebello.com|publisher=City of Montebello|accessdate=2020-11-16|archive-date=2020-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029173730/https://www.cityofmontebello.com/about-montebello/about-sister-cities/stepanakert-artsakh.html|url-status=dead}}

• Artsakh passport
• Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations
• Foreign relations of Armenia
• Political status of Artsakh
• Politics of Artsakh
• Politics of Europe
• Visa policy of Artsakh

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{{Portal bar|Politics}}

{{Reflist|2}}

• [http://www.nkr.am/en/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno Karabakh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917193936/http://nkr.am/en/ |date=2017-09-17 }}

{{Foreign relations of Artsakh}}