On the sidelines of SCO summit, in Tianjin, China, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signed a joint communiqué establishing Pakistan–Armenia diplomatic relations.
Pakistan–Armenia diplomatic relations: UN Charter and Vienna Convention
Both governments said ties will be advanced in line with the UN Charter.
Which includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence.
They also anchored the step in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Officials noted that the agreement allows each side to exchange representatives and provide necessary assistance for diplomatic work on a reciprocal basis.
Initial cooperation areas discussed include the economy, education, culture and tourism.
Pakistan–Armenia diplomatic relations: Next steps and venue
Photos shared by both foreign ministers on X showed the signing and exchange of documents, with national flags displayed at the venue.
Islamabad said the move marks a “historic step forward,” with further coordination expected through bilateral and multilateral forums.
The ceremony took place during meetings hosted alongside the 25th SCO summit in Tianjin.
China also hosted high-level engagements with visiting leaders in Tianjin this week, underscoring the summit importance for global south.
From no ties to a new opening
Pakistan and Armenia had no diplomatic relations for decades, with Islamabad aligning closely with Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Recent progress toward an Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process supported by US president created space for exploratory contacts and today’s formal step.
Pakistani media and officials had signaled consideration of ties in recent days, after the formalization of ties brokered by current US administration.
Analysts say practical cooperation will depend on next milestones.
Such as setting up missions, business contacts and cultural exchanges while both sides keep their regional partnerships in view.
For Pakistan, new links in the South Caucasus could support trade routes, education links and tourism outreach if follow-up measures are implemented.
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