The annual study tour of the Diplomatic School students to Artsakh took place from October 9th to 12^th, led by Director of the School, Ambassador Vahe Gabrielyan. 

On October 9th the students met with Mr Karen Mirzoyan, the Foreign Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and high-ranking diplomats of Artsakh.

The Foreign Minister briefed the DS students on the priorities of NKR foreign policy and the main tasks of the Ministry and answered their questions.

On the same day the students were accepted by President Bako Sahakyan. The President noted with satisfaction that study visits by students of Diplomatic School to Artsakh, initiated by its Director, had become a commendable tradition and that such visits were important for future diplomats. President Sahakyan touched upon some key issues of domestic and foreign policy and answered students’ questions.

On October 10th the students visited the line of contact, talked with soldiers on duty, got acquainted with aspects of frontline military service. They also observed military exercises carried out by the NKR Defence Army and visited one of its regiments.

On the same day the students met with the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister of Artsakh.

The Speaker of National Assembly, Ashot Ghulyan spoke about the programmes of international cooperation by Artsakh’s Legislature, as well as about achievements of Artsakh in political, diplomatic, cultural and other spheres.

Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan focused on the Government’s efforts in the development of different spheres of economy and touched upon measures aimed at encouraging investment and improvement of infrastructures.

The students visited the Museum of Relatives of Soldiers of Artsakh War Missing in Action, the Museum of Perished Azatamartiks (Freedom Fighters) and the Artsakh State History and Geography Museum in Stepanakert, the Shushi Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Geology and the Art Centre of Shushi. In Stepanakert, in the newly re-opened 'Kharabagh carpet' factory they witnessed the entire production process of renowned Karabakh carpets from local materials.

They also visited Dadivank and Gandzasar Monastery complexes, the Ghazantshetsonts Church and the site of excavations of the ancient city of Tigranakert and its Museum.