Establishment of Pakistan and Armenia Diplomatic Ties
Pakistan and Armenia have crossed a bridge. The signing of a joint communique in Tianjin marks a new chapter. Decades of no formal ties. Islamabad and Yerevan have now opened the door to cooperation. It is not just a diplomacy thing. It is a historical breakthrough. In fact, it is a positive step that diplomatic ties have been established between Pakistan and Armenia. Notably, it demonstrates that Islamabad is willing to take the lead in defining positive regional interaction. What the region requires is dialogue and not distance. The step reinforces the image of Pakistan being a progressive state. It brings out a skill to connect past borders.
A Responsible Global Actor
Significantly, the diplomatic actions of Pakistan are sending a message of affirming the Charter of the UN. This is primarily done by strengthening its position as a committed and active international citizen. States that are respected by the world are those that value multilateralism. Pakistan is now conspicuously a member of that league. It is not isolationist. It is not passive. Rather, it is at work in defining international discourses.
Strategic Vision at Work
This recent development is a strategic vision of Pakistan. The vision is to increase diplomatic and economic relationships. As, formal relations result in open doors on trade and investment. They also leave room to cooperate in the areas of study, culture and tourism. These industries might appear girly, yet they construct concrete bridges. They create people to people contacts. They generate goodwill in the long run as it will in case of Pakistan and Armenia.
In addition, stereotypes may be destroyed through cultural interactions. Young people can be enriched by educational co-operation. Economies have the potential to be drawn together through tourism. It is worth mentioning that Armenia has a rich heritage. Pakistan is also a country with a history. The two can be used to facilitate cross cultural appreciation. It is not all politics. It is the learning of societies through each other.
Pakistan too has been consistent on a sensitive issue. It is notable in terms of its assistance to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Islamabad has been a proponent of solutions that are based on dialogue.
It has now shown that Pakistan can have a positive role even in a sensitive war. Here, the real ordeal of leadership is to uphold peace where it is hardest.
Through this step Pakistan positions itself as a bridge builder. It does not merely concern bilateral relations. It concerns the role of being a peace, progress and prosperity thought leader in regions.
South Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus intersect at critical fault lines. The new outreach in Pakistan is an indication of willingness to bridge those dots.
Beyond Old Divides
Critics may ask why now. The answer lies in timing. The world is becoming multipolar. New formations are replacing old divisions. Pakistan can not afford to remain limited. The development of relations with Armenia is flexible. It shows maturity. It demonstrates that Pakistan can stop being stuck in inflexible positions.
Economic and Regional Gains
Furthermore, these advantages are not nominal. Armenia may be a bridge to Eurasia. This is an opening that allows Pakistan to connect to new markets. Exchange of transit, trade and technology can follow. The profits can be incremental, but they will exist. Each new tie expands the Pakistani presence in the region.
Interestingly, the Tianjin agreement is the diplomacy of convenience. It is taking initiative before the space is determined by others. The diplomacy of Pakistan can be regarded as a reactionary one. This time it is proactive. The world notices such moves. They show initiative. They show vision. They have the strength to walk into uncharted land.
Also, the development of the Pakistan-Armenia diplomatic relations is no trifle. It is a bold beginning. It enhances the leadership of Pakistan in the region. It strengthens its reputation as a good citizen of the world. It looks at strategic vision to broaden alliances. It stresses the idea of peace and dialogue. Most importantly, it puts Pakistan in the position of a bridge builder. The breakthrough is timely. The breakthrough is wise. The breakthrough is worthy of notice.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
