Armenia and Pakistan Formalize Diplomatic relations, Signaling Shift in Regional Alliances
Yerevan, Armenia – Armenia and Pakistan have established diplomatic relations, a move announced via a joint communiqué, marking a notable advancement in the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus. the agreement arrives less than a month after Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a preliminary peace treaty facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
This new partnership reflects evolving strategic considerations for both nations. Armenia, seeking to diversify its security partnerships, has simultaneously increased military cooperation with India, reportedly securing contracts for artillery systems, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone technology. The timing of the agreement with Pakistan, coupled with Armenia’s strengthened ties with India, suggests a recalibration of alliances in the wake of the tentative peace with Azerbaijan.
according to Leonid Nersisyan, an analyst at the APRI Armenia think-tank, the diplomatic move with Pakistan likely wouldn’t have occurred without the progress made in Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. nersisyan also suggested Azerbaijan may have offered no important opposition to Pakistan’s decision.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition figures within Armenia. Eduard Sharmazanov,a senior representative of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK),voiced concerns over the partnership,citing Pakistan’s ancient stance toward Armenia. Sharmazanov referenced Yerevan’s 2016 veto of Islamabad’s bid for observer status within the Collective Security Treaty Association (CSTO), a Russian-led security alliance.
In a Facebook post, Sharmazanov criticized Prime Minister nikol Pashinyan’s government, stating, ”The ‘diplomacy’ of Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is clear: they kiss and place on the head of our nation the hand they cannot cut.”
The establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and Pakistan signals a potential realignment of regional relationships and could have implications for the ongoing dynamics between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and their respective allies. Further developments are anticipated as the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process continues.
