The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia officially began on Sunday and it is considered to be a historical milestone as officials of both countries claim it to be another milestone in the foreign policy of Pakistan. The Foreign Office announced that Senator Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Pakistani government had a joint statement with the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in Tianjin, China.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to the United Nations Charter and reached an agreement to consider collaboration in trade, education, tourism and cultural exchange. They also undertook to work together in bilateral and multilateral forums to ensure peace, prosperity and sustainable growth of their people.
This breakthrough comes after a recent telephone interview between Dar and Mirzoyan in which the Pakistani minister commended the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, insisting on its significance to the stability of the region. The recognition of Armenia by Pakistan is a significant development in the historic relationship of this country with Azerbaijan and Turkey on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. Traditionally the position of Baku in the UN was supported by Islamabad whereas Yerevan counted on the defence and diplomatic assistance of India.
Read more: Key Developments in Pakistan’s Diplomatic Relations
Analysts see the breakthrough as an opportunity to allow Pakistan to diversify its involvement in the South Caucasus without damaging its relationship with Azerbaijan. To businesses and investors, the normalization results in new trade routes, joint ventures and tourism projects in the two countries.
Formalization of Pakistan-Armenia relations would lead to economic cooperation, foreign investment, and business opportunities, which will mark the beginning of a new period of strategic and trade-oriented relations.
