Pakistan has taken a major step toward improving regional diplomacy by agreeing to consider formal ties with Armenia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the decision after a phone call with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan. He described the discussion as cordial and said both sides agreed to explore diplomatic relations. This marks a potential shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Ararat Mirzoyan @AraratMirzoyan and I held a cordial conversation on phone today, and agreed to consider establishing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) August 29, 2025
Until now, Pakistan and Armenia have had no official diplomatic ties. Their relationship has remained tense due to Pakistan’s long-standing support for Azerbaijan. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has kept both nations at odds for decades. Pakistan is one of the few countries that never recognized Armenia as a state. However, changing regional dynamics may now be opening new doors.
Recently, Pakistan praised a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the deal “historic” and congratulated both countries on working toward peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan but also emphasized hope for regional stability. His statement reflected a softer tone toward Armenia.
Foreign policy experts say this shift may be part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to build ties across the region. Establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia could help Pakistan strengthen its global position and balance its international partnerships. It may also support efforts to reduce long-standing hostilities and promote dialogue.
Though no official ties exist yet, the willingness to talk is a major diplomatic signal. Both governments may now enter a period of negotiation and confidence-building. Any final decision will depend on further talks and mutual understanding. Still, this development hints at a possible thaw in relations between two historically distant nations.