More than 150 pilgrims and residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, have visited the Armenian monasteries of Amaras and Gandzasar, which is situated close to the new contact line with Azerbaijan, the Russian Defense Ministry reports.

Russian peacekeepers also used to accompany Armenian pilgrims to the medieval Armenian monastery of Dadivank, which came under Azerbaijan's control following the 44-day war in Karabakh in fall 2020.

"As part of the implementation of the trilateral statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia dated November 9, 2020, Russian peacekeepers continue to assist in the restoration of peaceful life in Nagorno-Karabakh," the Ministry said in a statement.

"As a result of the agreements reached, the Amaras monastery has found itself in close proximity to the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh."