Pakistan and Armenia formally established diplomatic relations on Sunday, marking what officials described as a historic step in Islamabad’s evolving foreign policy outreach.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed a joint communiqué with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Tianjin, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The agreement was finalised days after both leaders spoke over the phone, following the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan peace accord that ended years of hostility.
A Breakthrough in Regional Diplomacy
For decades, Pakistan sided firmly with Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, maintaining no diplomatic ties with Yerevan. Armenia, meanwhile, aligned closely with India, particularly in defence cooperation.
The landmark peace deal between Baku and Yerevan, hailed globally as a breakthrough for regional stability, paved the way for this diplomatic thaw. Observers see Pakistan’s decision as a strategic recalibration in the South Caucasus while maintaining its strong partnership with Azerbaijan.
Commitment to the UN Charter and Cooperation
According to the Foreign Office, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and agreed to explore collaboration in fields such as economy, education, culture, and tourism. They also expressed determination to work together at bilateral and multilateral forums for peace, progress, and prosperity.
Dar, in a post on X, said he was “pleased to sign the joint communiqué” and stressed the shared vision of constructive engagement. Mirzoyan echoed these sentiments, highlighting readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Significance for Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
This is the first time Islamabad and Yerevan have established formal diplomatic ties. Analysts note that the development could help reduce long-standing friction in the region and expand Pakistan’s diplomatic space in the South Caucasus, while signalling a willingness to balance historic alliances with emerging opportunities.
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