Shafqat Ali Khan becomes Pakistan’s first Armenia envoy

YEREVAN: Pakistan’s first ambassador to Armenia, Shafqat Ali Khan, has formally assumed his diplomatic responsibilities after presenting his credentials to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan.

Khan presented his letters of credence during a ceremony at the Armenian presidential palace, marking an important step in the development of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

President Khachaturyan welcomed the Pakistani envoy and congratulated him on his appointment. He also expressed his best wishes for Khan’s tenure and said Armenia was ready to support efforts aimed at expanding relations with Pakistan.

During the meeting, Khan conveyed greetings from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Armenian president.

The Pakistani ambassador reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Yerevan. Both sides discussed opportunities to increase cooperation in several areas.

Trade and investment were among the key areas discussed. The two sides also highlighted education, culture, people-to-people contacts and broader economic cooperation as sectors with significant potential.

Khan also held talks with Armenian Foreign Minister and Minister of International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan. The Armenian foreign minister welcomed the ambassador and congratulated him on his appointment.

The two officials reviewed the bilateral agenda and discussed ways to expand cooperation between Pakistan and Armenia. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

During his diplomatic engagements in Yerevan, Khan met Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan and handed over a copy of his credentials.

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 discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms. They also explored areas where Pakistan and Armenia could work together for mutual benefit.

Khan’s meetings in Yerevan reflect Islamabad’s efforts to build stronger ties with Armenia following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.

Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic relations in August 2025, ending a longstanding diplomatic gap.

Pakistan had previously been the only United Nations member state that had not recognised Armenia’s sovereignty since 1991. Islamabad’s position had been linked to its support for Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Khan currently serves concurrently as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and as the country’s non-resident ambassador to Armenia.