Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan presents credentials to Armenia’s president as Islamabad moves to strengthen bilateral relations following the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025.
YEREVAN, ARMENIA — WEB DESK: Pakistan has made its first ambassadorial-level appointment to Armenia since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2025, with Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan presenting his credentials to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan.
Ambassador Khan presented his Letters of Credence during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Yerevan, according to Pakistan’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates.
Shafqat Ali Khan appointed non-resident ambassador
Khan concurrently serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and has been appointed as Pakistan’s non-resident ambassador to Armenia.
During the ceremony, President Khachaturyan congratulated Khan on his appointment and expressed his readiness to support efforts aimed at developing relations between Armenia and Pakistan.
Khan conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Armenian president and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic ties in 2025
Pakistan and Armenia formally established diplomatic relations in September 2025, when Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan exchanged a Joint Communiqué on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China.
The agreement marked a significant change in Pakistan’s relations with Armenia. The two countries committed to strengthening cooperation while reaffirming the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter.
At the time, the two sides identified economy, education, culture and tourism among potential areas of cooperation.
Focus on trade and investment
During Khan’s meetings in Yerevan, Pakistan and Armenia highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral engagement in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people contacts.
The Pakistani ambassador also met Armenia’s foreign minister and Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan.
The officials reviewed the bilateral agenda, discussed opportunities for greater cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Safaryan said the establishment of diplomatic relations represented an important policy decision by the leadership of both countries.
The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation through bilateral and multilateral forums.
A new phase in Pakistan-Armenia relations
The appointment of a non-resident ambassador represents an initial diplomatic mechanism through which Islamabad and Yerevan can expand engagement following the establishment of formal relations.
The two governments have indicated interest in developing cooperation across economic, educational, cultural and diplomatic areas.
Khan’s presentation of credentials in Yerevan marks the latest step in efforts to build the institutional framework for Pakistan-Armenia relations.
