Pakistan has expressed the desire to review the possibility of developing diplomatic ties with Armenia.
Pakistan Potential Diplomatic Shift with Armenia
There has been a major evolution in the outlines of foreign policy of Pakistan. The nation is also said to have accepted to contemplate the formation of diplomatic ties with Armenia. This is a prospective change that is a radical break to a long period of non-recognition. Many observers and analysts perceive this to be a strategic realignment that was driven by changing regional politics and an out bursting urge to diversify international relationships in Pakistan.
The history of bad relationships
Pakistan has long been a firmly pro Azerbaijan position. This stand is entrenched in common Turkic and Islamic tradition, and a strong alliance with Turkey. Therefore, Pakistan has in the past avoided recognizing Armenia as a sovereign state. This policy could be traced back to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict when the Pakistani government was categorical in siding with Azerbaijan in its stance on the contested territory, with Armenia being regarded as the aggressor. This inexorable alignment created a diplomatic rift that seemed, in most cases, to be unsurpassable. Pakistan was one of the few countries that until recently had no diplomatic relations with Armenia.
The current deliberation on how to build relations with Armenia is an indication of a possible review of this long standing practice. Pakistan might be interested in trying to paint a more well balanced and neutral picture on the international scene. More and more countries have realized the need to deescalate the situation in the South Caucasus.
This international trend may be one that Pakistan is following. Development of normative relations would provide Pakistan with a better bargaining position in the regional discussion, and possibly bring about new opportunities to trade and cultural exchange.
This move coincides with the wider goal of Pakistan to strengthen its relationship with a wide range of nations. The country wants to reduce its dependence on conventional alliances thus diversifying its foreign policy portfolio. The current administration considers such diversification to be a strategic necessity in order to strengthen the independence of Pakistan. By developing a relationship with Armenia, this would help in connecting with other European countries and hence promote economic development and diplomatic power.
The Road Ahead, A Pragmatic Approach
The diplomatic relations between Armenia and Pakistan is a complex process by nature and requires careful negotiation and long term dedication of two governments. In the case of Armenia, this rapprochement would serve as a major diplomatic victory, not only in making the country more noticeable internationally but also in strengthening its strategic position in an objectively unstable situation in the region.
In the case of Pakistan, the benefits are twofold comprising both the strategic needs and the economic ones. Normalization of ties would open new trade routes, especially to Central Asia and Russia, which would effectively avoid the traditional sea routes and hence bring a significant economic gain.
The fledgling bilateral relations between Pakistan and Armenia have the potential to increase people to people contacts. Tourism, cultural interactions, and academic cooperation all stand to thrive creating a bridge of understanding between two long time hostile states. This move is a landmark step in the direction of regional peace and stability. The international community is eagerly awaiting the culmination of this diplomatic initiative and the possibility of an improved future of both countries is hoped to be achieved through this.
In sum, this diplomatic initiative signifies a bold, pragmatic recalibration of Pakistan’s foreign policy. It conveys the willingness to overcome the established complaints and to embrace new opportunities. It is possible that the way ahead can be filled with difficulty, but the possible payoff can be quite high. It is a point where Pakistan stands an opportunity to show its investment in a more diversified and balanced diplomatic posture, and it may strategically contribute to the creation of peace and dialogue in the South Caucasus. The world community will certainly be keenly following as both these countries take their initial, rough steps towards a redefined relationship.
Published by One Nation Voice
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