Pakistan appoints first ambassador to Armenia after establishing diplomatic ties

Pakistan has appointed its first ambassador to Armenia following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025, with Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan presenting his credentials to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan.

Khan presented his Letters of Credence to President Khachaturyan at a ceremony at the presidential palace in Yerevan, the Pakistan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Friday.

Khan concurrently serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE and non-resident ambassador to Armenia.

During the meeting, the Armenian president congratulated Khan on his appointment and wished him success in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities.

Khachaturyan also expressed his readiness to support efforts to strengthen Armenia-Pakistan relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Khan conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Khachaturyan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The two sides highlighted the potential to expand cooperation in trade and investment, education, culture, people-to-people contacts and other areas of economic engagement.

Pakistan and Armenia formally established diplomatic relations through a joint communiqué signed in August 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the signing of the communiqué on August 31, 2025, following discussions with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan.

Dar said at the time that the two sides had reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the UN Charter and agreed to work towards stronger bilateral cooperation in areas including the economy, education, culture and tourism.

During his visit to Yerevan, Khan also called on the Armenian foreign minister, who congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success.

The two sides reviewed the bilateral agenda, discussed ways to expand cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments.

Khan also met Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mnatsakan Safaryan and handed him a copy of his Letters of Credence.

Safaryan described the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia as an important policy decision by the leadership of both countries.

The two sides also discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation through bilateral and multilateral forums.

Khan’s engagements in Yerevan focused on advancing Pakistan-Armenia relations and identifying opportunities for cooperation across areas of mutual interest.