ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Armenia are exploring the possibility of establishing formal diplomatic relations in the wake of the recent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan. During the call, Dar welcomed the “historic peace agreement” between Armenia and Azerbaijan, describing it as a positive step for regional stability and economic prosperity.
According to the Foreign Office, both leaders agreed to consider opening formal diplomatic channels between Islamabad and Yerevan. They also discussed potential areas for bilateral cooperation, as well as collaboration in multilateral forums.
This development is particularly noteworthy given Pakistan’s longstanding support for Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. For decades, Islamabad, alongside Ankara, has firmly backed Baku’s stance at the United Nations and other international platforms. Armenia, on the other hand, has traditionally maintained close ties with India, including in the defense sector, as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s regional position.
The recent peace accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan, widely hailed as a landmark achievement ending years of hostility, now seems to have opened the door for a potential diplomatic thaw. For Pakistan, this shift presents an opportunity to recalibrate its foreign policy in the South Caucasus while continuing strong relations with Azerbaijan.
If formalized, diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Armenia would represent a significant realignment in the region, potentially easing longstanding tensions, experts suggest.
