Shafqat Ali Khan presents diplomatic credentials as Pakistan’s first envoy to Armenia

Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s inaugural ambassador to Armenia, exchanged diplomatic letters with President Vahagn Khachaturyan at a formal ceremony held at the presidential residence. President Khachaturyan warmly embraced Ambassador Khan, extending congratulations on his appointment and voicing his optimism for a prosperous tenure and effective performance in his diplomatic duties.

The president pledged support for enhancing ties and fostering cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors. Ambassador Khan conveyed felicitations from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Khachaturyan, reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to bolstering bilateral relations. The discussions underscored substantial potential for expanding bilateral engagement, particularly in trade, investment, education, culture, and personal interactions.

Prior to the ceremony, Ambassador Khan met with Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan, who warmly welcomed him, congratulated him on his appointment, and wished him success in his diplomatic role. Both sides reviewed the bilateral agenda, explored avenues for deepening cooperation, and exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments.

Ambassador Khan also met Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mnatsakan Safaryan, presenting him with a copy of his credentials. The deputy minister emphasized that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations marked a significant policy decision by the leadership of Pakistan and Armenia. Both countries deliberated on prospects for further strengthening cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Ambassador Khan’s engagements in Yerevan reinforced the commitment of Pakistan and Armenia to nurturing bilateral relations, providing an opportunity to identify new avenues for collaboration across diverse mutually advantageous domains. Khan concurrently serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and as non-resident ambassador to Armenia.

Notably, Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic relations in August 2025, with Pakistan being the sole UN member state to maintain non-recognition of Armenia’s sovereignty since 1991, driven by solidarity with Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.