Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan and prime minister Karen Karapetyan sent congratulatory messages to Bako Sahakyan on being elected as president of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) on Wednesday, July 19.

Sahakyan was re-elected the president of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) for a third term.The National Assembly at an extraordinary session on Wednesday approved Sahakyan’s candidacy with 28 votes in favor, four against and no abstentions.

In his message, Sargsyan said the process of democratic and smooth formation of public administration authorities in Artsakh testifies to the irreversible nature of the Artsakh people’s choice to live in freedom.

"This is the right path for steady implementation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. On this way, the Republic of Armenia and Armenians all over the world will continue to support the statehood that has been established by the brave and courageous people of Artsakh.

"I am confident that you will continue to honestly serve Artsakh for our common good and prosperity."

In a separate message of his own, Karapetyan expressed confidence that the process of strengthening the statehood, as well as the political and economic development will continue in Artsakh.

"I am also confident that during your tenure the economic partnership between the two Armenian states will consistently deepen and strengthen," the PM said.