Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan has been appointed as Pakistan’s first ambassador to Armenia, marking an important development in relations between the two countries.
Khan presented his Letters of Credence to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan. The appointment comes after Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic relations in 2025.
President Khachaturyan welcomed the Pakistani ambassador and congratulated him on his appointment. He also wished Khan success in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities.
The Armenian president expressed his willingness to support efforts aimed at developing relations with Pakistan and expanding cooperation in areas of common interest.
Pakistan, Armenia look to expand cooperation
Ambassador Khan conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Armenian president, during the meeting.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Armenia.
Both sides highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in several areas, including trade and investment, education, culture, and economic cooperation.
The presentation of credentials plays an important role because Shafqat Ali Khan is Pakistan’s first ambassadorial-level appointment to Armenia following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan holds meetings in Yerevan
Shafqat Ali Khan met Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Mirzoyan congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success.
The two officials reviewed relations between Pakistan and Armenia. They discussed ways to expand cooperation and also exchanged views on regional and international developments, during their meeting.
Khan also met Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan and handed him a copy of his Letters of Credence.
Safaryan described the establishment of diplomatic relations as an important policy decision by the leadership of both countries. The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Khan’s meetings in Yerevan highlighted both countries’ intention to develop their newly established relationship and explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan currently also serves as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. He will represent Pakistan in Armenia as a non-resident ambassador while remaining based in Abu Dhabi.
Ali Asad Gilani appointed Pakistan’s new Ambassador to China
On the other hand, previously, Ali Asad Gilani was appointed as Pakistan’s new ambassador to China, replacing Khalil Hashmi after the completion of his diplomatic assignment in Beijing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the appointment on Friday (today), September 11, through a social media post.
Gilani has previously served in several important positions at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dar expressed that the new ambassador would play an important role in further strengthening relations between Pakistan and China.
